We Want Children to Become Followers of Jesus

On April 24, in Tbilisi, within the framework of “The Greatest Journey” project, youth held an entertainment program at the Tsisartkela Center, for homeless children with special needs. Tsisartkela is a place where ADRA Georgia has been implementing various projects over the past few years: renovation of the building, equipping the premises with furniture, equipment, and inventory, and training of staff to improve their skills. The Greatest Journey is a children's program that takes place annually, in different locations, with the support of Samaritan's Bag, an international, non-governmental, non-profit Christian humanitarian organization.

Children receiving services in this center are deprived of home comfort, parental warmth, and love and care. What may be familiar to us—communication, attention, smiles, gifts—is, for them, a big deal. Therefore, this ordinary, cloudy, cool April day brought real spring warmth and joy into their lives and hearts. For children, games and competitions were held within their capabilities. They sang and danced and, of course, received gifts!

Distracted from the daily routine, the children tried to actively participate in the program. Their cheerful exclamations were heard throughout the hall; their happy eyes shone in every corner; and the participants and organizers were overwhelmed with indescribable emotions. Gifts were especially admired by children. They opened their boxes with tears of happiness in their eyes and exclamations of joy. Their sincere emotions warmed the hearts of all those who witnessed this special day. 

At the end of the program, the kids said goodbye with the hope of a future meeting. They returned to everyday, familiar life, but with a piece of God's love and care, which they received through the Samaritan team in Tbilisi. After all, for God, every person is dear, regardless of age, gender, or abilities. “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me” (Matthew 25:40, NKJV).

The success of this unforgettable program was mainly due to the tangible presence of God in the entire process of work, from the planning to the last gift given, and, of course, the hard work and fervent prayers of a close-knit team.

Thank God for such a wonderful opportunity!

This article was originally published on the Euro-Asia Division’s news site