Kyrgystan - Karakol
The Karakol Children's Home is sponsored by Rev. Ann Baines, founder of the Cross Country World Mission Foundation. The home is located in the country of Kyrgystan (formerly part of the U.S.S.R.) and is 50 miles from China. The home cares for about 50 orphan children who were formerly living on the streets as homeless children.
DHSClubKids has supported this orphanage for several years and was responsible for providing the funds to purchase a large, old Soviet Union government building that has been converted to the orphanage. In the last few years, many improvements have been made to the home with money sent from DHSClubKids and other supporters. Prior to the building being purchased, the "kitchen" was actually a large pot over an open fire, located outside under a tarp, which was quite a hardship during the cold winters there. Beds were built and blankets bought for the children. A classroom was set up for their learning. Every winter more warm clothes, coats, mittens, hats, and boots are bought. Also, our donations have been used to purchase much needed supplies such as toothbrushes, soap, vitamins, and medicine.
End of the year news:
"We now have two cows! It has taken longer due to having to build a building and shelter. To my surprise, the children are so excited to have the cows. The older boys are eager to take care of them. Not only that, but both cows are expecting. That is just like God - giving double!"
"So this let me know how important it would be to have a farm and more animals. The children are eager to have milk, for that is something they seldom get. They really do appreciate the cows. The children really do thank all you do for them to provide boots, coats, food and warm place to stay." - Rev. Ann Baines
Information of Note:
I just wanted to share a recent testimony with you from the Children's Home. Recently I found out that a committee had been formed by the Kyrgyzstan government to investigate all children's orphanages in the country even if they are private. This committee was formed becuase of an allegation that one orphanage was selling children; however, the committee was also designed to investigate all aspects of the orphanages and even to ask questions regarding religion since the new Religion Law was passed.
Well, without warning this committee came to visit the Children's home. It is amazing the favor that was bestowed on us from the Lord! The leader of the committee said that your children's home should serve as an example to all the others because our paperwork was in order, our kids were clean and well dressed, and the home was being run so well. This committee also knew that we were a Christian Children's Home, yet they didn't make mention of it. The leader even said she wanted to help us with educational training for our teachers! Isn't that just awesome? Look what the Lord has done and be encouraged!