| Once the children learn the
theme, it’s their responsibility to develop the idea into
our final sculpture. The week before the festival the participants
worked on their own ideas and made sketches of the animals they
wanted to inhabit the cottage. Then, during the four festival
workdays each child sawed, chiseled, grated, and shaped their
character into place within our 27-cubic-foot cottage.
Participating in the festival is a valuable experience for the
children. They’re challenged to use their creativity, learn
to work as a team, and have the chance to meet other festival
participants. Marina, one of the new participants, said, “I
really liked sculpting the animals and I especially enjoyed working
next to the team from Switzerland. Even though we didn’t
know their language we could communicate through gestures. They
even came to our tea party at the orphanage after the festival.”
Egor, another first-time participant, wrote, “I really liked
working with Valeriy (sculptor) and Jeff. The best part was the
closing ceremony with all the people and the fireworks.”
Interaction with the community serves another important purpose.
For many people the term “orphan” carries negative
stereotypes. Orphans are frequently viewed as hooligans and “the
unwanted.” Often, including in schools, less is expected
from children from the orphanages. By participating in the festival
the kids are placed in a spotlight and the general public can
see how talented these kids are and that given the opportunity
they can make a useful contribution to society in the same way
children from typical family homes can. This year the team was
co-sponsored by Channel Vetta, a local television station. The
children were given a tour of the station’s facilities.
Throughout the festival Channel Vetta shot daily footage of the
team and conducted interviews with team members, including me
(with the stipulation that I speak without an interpreter!). This
footage was then incorporated as a special feature on our team
in the general post-festival television program, which gave us
even greater exposure than in previous years. I hope this will
be a great step in dispelling some of the misconceptions people
have about these children.
Other chances for the kids to showcase their abilities are inter-orphanage
sporting competitions. During the winter months the kids competed
in basketball, cross-country skiing, and table tennis. The winners
of the local events then compete in the regional games. Having
gained a reputation as a sportsman from pickup soccer and basketball
games, plus the kids’ knowledge of my photography skills,
I had an open invitation to these monthly competitions as a fan
and also as the “unofficial” photographer. For many
of the children, one of the few truly personal belongings they
have is a photo album. Getting a photo of themselves for their
album means more than you might imagine.
I hope this gives some idea of the work God has called me to do
here in Perm. I’d be happy to answer any questions you have
or to provide you with additional information. Email me at dufffur@hotmail.com
(yes, there are three “f”s). You can be an important
part of this ministry in several ways. Please keep the children
in your prayers. Pray for our projects. Pray that through work
in this place, the children will learn of God’s love for
them and that they have hope in their lives. You can also help
support this ministry by making a tax-deductible contribution
to ECO #E051721 (The Perm Orphanage Project) or to ECO #E074365
(personal support) through the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). For
more information, call (888) 728-7228 x5654.
Peace to you all!
In Christ,
Jeff Koning
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