During our visit to Ukraine, we witnessed how simple gifts — like ice cream and stuffed toys — can bring light and comfort to children growing up in the shadow of war.
Orphans in Wartime
Dima Gusha, associate pastor at Eleon Church in Lutsk, Ukraine, has been volunteering at a local orphanage for over ten years.
When Jocelyn and I visited, he took us there — a place filled with children who have already endured more than most adults ever will.
We brought ice cream.
They gave us hugs.
It was a good exchange. 
The children ranged from preschoolers to older elementary ages. Some live with physical or intellectual disabilities. All live through the trauma of war — with their peers as their only family.
Dima and the orphanage director led us down to the bomb shelter. It was the moment that brought Jocelyn and our translator to tears.
Each child had a small bed with a single stuffed toy — a comfort when sirens wail and explosions shake the night. But there weren’t enough for everyone.
Drawing by a teen in the orphanage.
In the corner lay a large blanket. When the sounds outside grew too loud, the children would huddle together beneath it, finding warmth and safety in each other’s arms. 
Stuffies
The day we left Ukraine, we gave a big yellow duck stuffie to Dima’s assistant — one more comfort for one more child. Back home, we shared their story, and a REVwords reader responded with generosity, donating funds to buy more “stuffies” for the children.
On October 30th, a message arrived from Dima.
“Thank you for remembering us in your prayers — it means so much to us and is truly precious. Regarding the items we purchased for the shelter in the bomb shelter, I’m sending you photos and videos.
Thank you so much for your help — the children are very happy! We’ve bought toys and mattresses and will continue to get more things. We’ll be sure to send you more photos and videos. Thank you again!”
Thank You
Watch this video with Dima.
“You can see the condition of the beds the children sleep on — it’s truly terrible. That’s why we are now thinking and looking for partners who could help us replace them. The total cost is about $3,500US. If anyone you know would be able to contribute, we would be very, very grateful.
These days, the children are spending more time in the bomb shelter because the sirens go off so often, and they really need proper beds.
Thank you so much! May the Lord richly bless you!”
Our REVword readers are the best. You sent humanitarian aid to Ukraine, provided for kids camps, and McJoyful parties, and now strangers in an orphanage feel your love.
Thank you!
We plan to go back to Ukraine late in 2026. The need grows day by day. Next week I’ll be connecting with Ukrainian chaplains for mental health training, pastors for ministry training and a meeting with Samaritan’s Purse about trauma support for children and adults in Ukraine.
If you would like to help provide new beds for Dima’s orphanage, you can donate through Loads of Love. On the donation page in the area “write a private message to us,” note FOR ORPHANS IN LUTSK.
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