Gift of life : News

Gift of life : News / International Charitable Fund en-gb Designed by JoginSoft giftoflife.org@nospam.com (admin) giftoflife.org@nospam.com (admin) Sun, 20 May 2012 19:14:15 +0300 Sun, 20 May 2012 19:14:15 +0300 http://backend.userland.com/rss e107 (http://e107.org) 60 Honor your father and mother … http://us.giftoflife.org.ua/news.php?item.41.1

“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord” (Colossians 3:20)

“Honor your father and mother” - which is the first commandment with a promise - “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth” (Ephesians 6:2-3) – these are instructions for each of us. Every year in spring, on the second Sunday of May, we celebrate Mother's Day. This year was not the exception. On the 13th of May after the church service at ULC Lord’s Cross congregation in Kremenets children from Sunday school presented a concert devoted to Mother’s Day. During a few weeks children scrupulously learned new poems and songs in order to make happy their dearest mothers! Sincere applause and tears of joy became the best reward for the little actors.

This nice holiday was also celebrated at GoL life-center in Kremenets. Many women – present mothers with their children and future mothers - came for a Bible Study to the life-center in order to recall history of the holiday, its origin and honor mothers with songs, poems, music and just sincere and warm words. Pastor Roman Andruntsiv opened the Study with a joint prayer.

Then with great interest we learned the history of the holiday. So what is its origin? A festival in honor of the goddess Rhea, celebrated in Ancient Greece every spring, is considered to be one of the oldest holidays devoted to a mother. Rhea was the wife of god Kronos and the mother many gods and goddesses. Approximately in 250 BC Romans began to celebrate a religious holiday devoted to Mother goddess Cybele which lasted for three days - from March 15th to March 18th. At the beginning of the 17th century in England on the fourth Sunday of Lent people celebrated Mothering Sunday which was the holiday of all mothers in England. On this day people used to visit their mothers and bring them a special cake which was even called «mother’s cake». However Mother’s Day became an international holiday due to the USA. In 1908 a young American from Philadelphia, Anna Dzhervis took the initiative to honor mothers in the memory of her mother, who died prematurely. Anna wrote letters to governmental institutions and legislative bodies in the USA with the request of one day a year devoted to honoring mothers. Her efforts were successful - in 1910 Virginia declared the first Mother's Day as an official holiday. Four years later, in 1914 the president of the United States Woodrow Wilson declared Mother’s Day as an official holiday of all the States of America. Gradually the second Sunday of May became all mothers’ holiday for 23 countries in the world and more than 30 countries chose different days for honoring mothers. In Ukraine a woman has always been considered to be a family protector. Mother’s Day was celebrated in Ukrainian society for the first time in 1928 by the Union of Ukrainian Women in Canada. Next year this holiday was already celebrated in Lviv. In 1939 Soviet Union prohibited to celebrate this holiday. Due to the efforts of public organizations, the Union of Ukrainian Women in particular, Mother’s Day has been celebrated in Ukraine since 1990. But only later Mother’s Day became an official holiday of Ukraine. In 1999 Ukrainian President proclaimed the second Sunday of May as the official day of Mother’s Day celebration.

Life-center clients listened to this story with great interest. Then we enjoyed singing songs, playing guitar and bandura (a big Ukrainian folk instrument), reading poems and small celebration in a warm friendly atmosphere.

Mother’s Day is indeed one of most touching holidays because each of us remembers their unique mothers and bears her image in their hearts from the childhood to the last days of life. Mother is the person who always understands everything, feels sympathetic, is very devoted and will love you notwithstanding any circumstances. During the last minutes of His earthly life Jesus Christ worried about His mother. Here is what Gospel from John says about it: When Jesus saw His mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to His mother, “Dear woman, here is your son” (John 19:26). Children must take care and love their parents, try to make them happy with their actions and behavior. In the book of Solomon's Proverbs one can find the following words: "Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old." (Proverbs 23:22).

Nina Andreychuk,

Gol pro-life counselor,

Kremenets, Ukraine.

]]> giftoflife.org@nospam.com (admin) Wed, 16 May 2012 12:49:42 +0300 http://us.giftoflife.org.ua/news.php?item.41.1 «Whoever Loves Discipline Loves Knowledge…» http://us.giftoflife.org.ua/news.php?item.40.1

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16)

Bible Studies have been conducted at GoL Kremenets pro-life center for more than 10 years. The day of the week (Thursday) and time (2:00 pm) has been unchanged. Even if some clients did not have opportunity or need to come to the LC for a long period of time, they know for sure that they are welcome to join the group at the usual time and day. Bible Studies at Kremenets life center are usually conducted by Ukrainian Lutheran Church (ULC) Pastor Roman Andruntsiv. GoL clients, usually women, can get answers to questions they are very concerned about, they can ask the pastor to teach and explain something they don’t understand. As the Proverbs say: “He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise” (Proverbs 15:31).

Every Bible Study begins with the joint prayer. Women who cannot come for a Bible Study due to some important reasons may leave their notes or requests in a special book kept at the life-center and their wishes will be included into the joint prayer. Then we proceed to learning the Holy Bible. “Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not ignore it” (Proverbs 8:33). The study ends with the Pastor answering clients’ questions or mentoring one client individually. All the clients are always invited to ULC.

Nina Andreychuk

GoL pro-life counselor,

Kremenets, Ukraine.

]]> giftoflife.org@nospam.com (admin) Tue, 08 May 2012 19:47:52 +0300 http://us.giftoflife.org.ua/news.php?item.40.1 Ukraine is Trying to Think Pro-Life http://us.giftoflife.org.ua/news.php?item.39.1

In March 2012 Ukrainian deputy Andriy Shkil (Tymoshenko party) submitted the draft of anti-abortion law to the Ukrainian Parliament. Since then both opponents and supporters of abortions became very active. Some experts think that prohibition of abortion would be a big step forward and it would help Ukrainian society. Some experts think that it will not help Ukraine at all; moreover it would increase the number of illegal abortions. It is a known fact that Ukrainian women can have an abortion at the clinic the day when they apply for it or simply order abortion pills online. The cost of abortion varies from about $75 to $190 depending on the type of abortion, term of pregnancy, etc. Women usually blame anyone and anything for the pro-abortion decision they were pushed to make – society they life in, money problems, unprofessional doctors, bad husbands or partners. Millions of abortions were made in Ukraine since its independency. GoL counselors know about this tremendous problem from their own experience and they cannot stay indifferent. Thousands and thousands of women were counseled by them and thousands, not afraid to use a word millions, of unborn babies were saved. GoL counselors teach about the value of human life from the moment of conception, help women to realize that the pro-abortion reasons they have are false, that God loves everyone and each life is precious.

In order to convey this truth and promote our pro-life position recently GoL counselors have participated in several meetings and conferences. In April our Kyiv Left-Bank Life-Center counselor Svitlana Leshchenko took part in the International conference that was held in Bosnia. About 50 female doctors from Ukraine (most of them have or had pro-abortion attitude) participated in this conference on the topic Human Life is the Biggest Mystery of Our Creator. This trip was very symbolical because it was held during the time of Ukrainian Easter which helped the participants to think about a child as a God’s gift.

From left to right:
Organizer of the trip Genya Samborska and GoL Counselor Svitlana Leshchenko

All the expenses were covered by a sponsor from Great Britain who decided to remain incognito. It was only the first trip to Bosnia. This year it is planned that there will be 10 more trips so that all Ukrainian doctors-gynecologists can save unborn babies and protect Ukrainian women from abortions.

Another April pro-life conference was held in Ternopil, the city of GoL headquarters.

Our Kremenets Life-Center counselor Nina Andreychuk and Ternopil Life-Center counselor Nadiya Khominska attended the conference together with the representatives of other local public or religious pro-life organizations and governmental officials where they talked about life from conception to birth, abortions, history of anti-abortion movement; reasons for abortions, abortion industry in Ukraine and who is interested in abortions; post-abortion syndrome; legal protection of right to life from the moment of conception to the natural death.

We really hope that the planted seeds will grow through and give Christian fruits.

GoL Manager

Nadiya Khodzinska

]]> giftoflife.org@nospam.com (admin) Tue, 08 May 2012 16:47:25 +0300 http://us.giftoflife.org.ua/news.php?item.39.1 A Gypsy Christmas http://us.giftoflife.org.ua/news.php?item.38.1 giftoflife.org@nospam.com (admin) Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:23:45 +0200 http://us.giftoflife.org.ua/news.php?item.38.1 MCOW Traveling Season 2011 Opened! http://us.giftoflife.org.ua/news.php?item.37.1 On April 18th Medical Clinic on Wheels (MCOW) successfully opened one more traveling season. It is unbelieveable but it is already 20th traveling season in MCOW history. This year MCOW started from one of the villages in Ternopil Region called Malashivtsi. It was the Head of Ternopil Region Council Oleksiy Kaida who offered Gift of Life to visit this place as well as many other needy places in Ternopil Region.

malashivtsi_meeting_with_the_head_of_the_region_january_2011.jpg

Meeting of GoL Director Mr.Laper and office personnel with the Head of Ternopil Region Council Oleksiy Kaida and other governmental officials.

Malashivtsi is a special place because for many many years it has been a garbage dump for the whole Region. Ternopil Region as well as many other Regions in Ukraine still does not have a garbage recycling plant. There are quite a few villages located around this garbage dump. One can only imagine how people survive there and how they are doing in terms of their health. That's why GoL did not have any hesitations, it was decided that MCOW will visit this place right away. The Head of Ternopil Region Council, other governmental officials and local mass media were happy to see GoL clinics in Malashivtsi.


MCOW Head Physician Dr.Laryssa Chorna giving an interview in Malashivtsi	The Head of Ternopil Region Council Oleksiy Kaida Giving an interview to the local mass media in front of MCOW

As usually at a new place every day at MCOW there are dozens of people waiting to get so needed medical and dental aid. MCOW specialists not only provide that but also they teach how to lead healthy way of life. Moreover ULC Deaconess teaches about spiritual health. She reminds people what Jesus did for us, it is always important to remember it but especially before Easter.


Dental nurse Natalya Trishch teaches how to clean teeth correctly	ULC Deaconess Lyudmyla Voichunas sharing the Good News

]]> giftoflife.org@nospam.com (admin) Thu, 21 Apr 2011 14:03:49 +0300 http://us.giftoflife.org.ua/news.php?item.37.1 Cooperation with Ternopil City Administration http://us.giftoflife.org.ua/news.php?item.36.1 Normal 0 21 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 In February 2011 representatives of charitable funds operating in the city had a meeting with Ternopil Mayor Serhiy Nadal. Administration of Gift of Life Mr. and Mrs. Laper and office personnel participated in this meeting too.


From the left to the right: Ternopil Mayor Serhiy Nadal, GoL Director Mr.Laper, manager-translator Nadiya Khodzinska, Mrs. Laper, office-manager-translator Iryna Tkach.	From the left to the right: Ternopil Mayor Serhiy Nadal, Mr. and Mrs. Laper.

Administration of some charitable funds knew each other for many years, some met for the first time at this meeting. Participants of the round table meeting discussed potential ways of cooperation with one another as well as with the City Council. It did not take very long to wait for results. On the request of Ternopil City Healthcare Department GoL Medical Clinic on Wheels assigned a week specifically for those Ukrainians who suffered from Chornobyl catastrophe (this year Ukraine will commemorate 25^th Anniversary of this black mark in its history).

MCOW Receptionist Halya checking certificate of Chornobyl victim

Mass media of Ternopil City Council advertized this special offer of GoL free of charge. During the week of April 10-15 those people who suffered from Chornobyl catastrophe (and have proper documents) had the opportunity to get free medical and dental aid at MCOW.

]]> giftoflife.org@nospam.com (admin) Mon, 18 Apr 2011 19:19:47 +0300 http://us.giftoflife.org.ua/news.php?item.36.1 The More Saved Babies - the More Happy Families http://us.giftoflife.org.ua/news.php?item.35.1 Gift of Life was created in Ukraine in order to provide help the other Ukrainians. The name of our organization is very symbolic. It may mean a lot of things but very often it is associated with the birth of a baby. When the baby is saved from abortion it is double happiness and joy for a mother, for GoL counselor and for our Lord. GoL counselors meet a lot of people, conduct many various programs and presentations but the most important thing in their ministry is to counsel women in crisis and save unborn lives. Over the years thousands of babies were saved through the counseling at GoL life-centers. Here are just some of them born in 2011

]]> giftoflife.org@nospam.com (admin) Mon, 18 Apr 2011 17:45:48 +0300 http://us.giftoflife.org.ua/news.php?item.35.1 Keep up a Good Shape! http://us.giftoflife.org.ua/news.php?item.34.1 Physical exercising is important for our health. And it is extremely important to keep your body in a good shape when you are going to become a mother or just became a mother. Your baby will definitely like exercising together with you.

When holding a class Gol coulselors always remind their clients that correct breathing and relaxation are essential parts of gymnastics. GoL counselors are always around to instruct and help their clients moreover they themselves participate in the class showing example to young ladies.

]]> giftoflife.org@nospam.com (admin) Mon, 18 Apr 2011 16:31:49 +0300 http://us.giftoflife.org.ua/news.php?item.34.1 Save Life Show 2010 http://us.giftoflife.org.ua/news.php?item.33.2

This fall “Save Life” show took place in Kyiv for the third time. The show was organized by the Director of public organization “Truth” and American-Ukrainian singer Nadiya Gordynska. GoL counselors of Kyiv life-centers Svitlana Leshchenko and Anna Kuchma participated in the show for the second time.

Kyiv Counselors Svitlana and Anna Teaching and Counseling at the Show

This year the show was conducted at some Universities in Kyiv and Cherkassy (the other big city near Kyiv).

Save Life Group with GoL Counselors of Kyiv Life-Centers and Volunteer Victoria with Her Small Daughter, the City of Cherkassy.

The show was aimed to raise among the youth the issues of abortions, consequences of irresponsible sex relations, use of contraceptives and premarital purity and faith. The show was conducted in a very impressive and emotional way. It made many young people think over various problems. It was obvious that many students did realize that human life begins from conception and it is a unique gift of our Lord.

Save Life Show Audience (In the front: GoL Counselor Svitlana - to the left; American-Ukrainian Singer Nadiya - to the right)

Left bank life-center volunteer Victoria Sukhotska also participated in the show. She as the mother of two saved from abortion children witnessed and shared her own experience of making a pro-life decision. It does not matter how difficult the life is, Victoria is always thankful to God for her children. Small children of Victoria participated in the show too!

Kyiv LBLC Volunteer Victoria with her Saved Child

Facilitators and participants of the show were happy because it was very successful. Such pro-life events are necessary; they make young people awake and start thinking about the issues of morality, spiritual life, family treasures, premarital abstinence and marital faith.

Svitlana Leshchenko
GoL Life-Center Counselor
Kyiv, Ukraine
]]> giftoflife.org@nospam.com (admin) Tue, 16 Nov 2010 16:31:03 +0200 http://us.giftoflife.org.ua/news.php?item.33.2