December 2019 Project Update:
An update on the orphanage
Pryazovs'ke, Ukraine:
On Oct 10, 2019 the police came to the orphanage unannounced, accusing them of allegedly exploiting children, by hiring out under age children. They took the orphanage director Ivan Alexandrovich away in handcuffs.
It appears the whole thing was set up: a man, calling himself a “believer” started showing up at various times at the orphanage, showing an interest in helping and caring for kids. Then one day, he mentioned that he would love to move into town and within days he found a place, at which time he casually asked if the older boys could come help him move in. Ivan thought this was a reasonable request and one staff member with 4 boys went to the home to help with the move, shortly after the police showed up and that is what started it all.
They took boys in for questioning and they kept them for 7 hours, without legal representation.
On Oct 16th a trial date was set for December (approx. 2 months), bail was set for $39,000 USD, which funds could only come from a personal Ukrainian account. Due to the high bail amount, bail was not posted and Ivan remained in custody.
God has answered prayers, on Oct 22nd there was an appeal to the court to release Ivan awaiting trial, from jail to house arrest. There were a number of high level provincial government officials that came to his appeal. The Chairman of Committee for Integration of Ukraine into EU, who is also the Deputy Chairman of Parliamentary Delegation to the Verhovna Rada (the Ukrainian White House) and the Zaparozjzja Provincial Director of Humanitarian Sector (specifically overseeing orphanages and boarding schools in the province) were 2 of the 4 guarantors. They expressed outrage, and were very instrumental in the successful outcome of getting his situation changed to house arrest.
There was a large crowd of people that came to express their support during the appeal and the family and orphanage staff are so thankful to the Lord that he was released and able to wait for the trial at home, without any bail.
Since the appeal hearing, another answer to prayer, Ivan’s house arrest has been extended till Feb 6th,2020 also changed allowing him to travel within the province that he lives in.
Mary Martz was able to visit the orphanage on her recent trip in December, and had a wonderful time with the kids. She was also able to visit Ivan and his wife at their home for three hours, you can’t even imagine how humbly these people live.
He shared the whole story from the moment “the believer” started showing up, to the time of his arrest, to details of his weeks behind bars. Praising God, how God had protected him in jail.
They spent time in prayer and had some laughs also.
Ivan sends his deepest thanks to all who were praying for him, and asks for continued prayer, until the end that the truth will prevail.
During Mary’s visit to the Ukraine, she was updated with the current situation regarding the trial. Apparently the 4 boys that were involved with the move and that were questioned for 7 hours at the time of the arrests, are being subpoenaed to questioning again without legal representation.
Please pray for these boys that God gives them the right words and the courage to tell the truth, and that the court doesn’t try to misrepresent those testimonies.
Prayer Requests
Please continue to pray for the whole situation with the Orphanage ….
Pray for the Kids at the Orphanage for their future is uncertain.
Pray for Ivan and his family, give him strength and health.
Pray for the 4 boys that are going to testify during the trial.
Pray for the judge and the court system that they pursue the truth.
Thank you for your continued prayer support of this situation.
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