Natasha knows what it is like to be abandoned and unwanted. She grew up in an orphanage. When Natasha was 17 and living in a trade school dorm she visited a Friends Club, a teen outreach center in her city. “I wanted to keep going back,” said Natasha. “The people were so kind and loving, and I made friends… friends that are still in my life today.” It was life-changing for Natasha. There she found love and acceptance. It was at Friends Club that she gave her life to the Lord.

Now at 28, married with two children of her own, Natasha and husband Sergey are the house parents of Anastasia’s House, a Heart for Orphans Transition Home for girls in eastern Ukraine. Although she had a very full life, Natasha never forgot the impact that Friends Club had on her. So in 2016 Natasha, Sergey, and a team of 15 volunteers opened a Friends Club in Kramatorsk.

The Friends Club center is a downtown storefront where as many as 50 orphaned teens gather for fellowship, games, music and laughter five nights a week. Soon a kitchen will be finished and not only will hot meals be available but cooking classes will be offered. (Most kids graduate from the orphanage with no idea how to cook.

Thanks to Life Church in Williamsburg, Virginia, for sponsoring this wonderful program! Amber & Ryan Linnekin from Life Church visited recently. “I am extremely impressed at how they have rallied so many volunteers to mentor kids who have nothing,” said Amber. “It’s amazing what they are doing consider their (young) ages.” Ryan Linnekin said, “Life Church is intentional about building relationships with people within our community and across the borders. We’re excited to partner with Heart for Orphans on this project.”