is your love in action, inside the former
Soviet Union
Curious about where NewThing.net came from?
A report from Doug Brendel to all who support or follow our New Thing ministry in Belarus...
When you give Òfor no reasonÓ...
JOY HAPPENS!
Like the circus? Here we go!
The Minsk circus is a permanent year-round fixture in a building of its own.
Belarusian children LOVE it.
But some kids never went to the circus.
For generations, children with any disability were routinely hidden from public view.
Our friend Alla decided, two decades ago, to challenge that idea.
She formed an Òassociation for support of families with disabled children,Ó in the town of Dzerzhinsk.
This group has powerfully advanced the ÒradicalÓ idea that disabled children are children — with abilities and longings and potential.
WeÕve had the joy of providing support for this association over the past several years.
When Alla asked if we could help her take these families to the circus, we were able to say yes immediately.
How? Some friends had given to New Thing Òfor no reasonÓ ... just because they knew that 100% of their donation would go into Belarus, and accomplish something good.
Thanks to them, families with disabled children traveled from Dzerzhinsk to Minsk, and went to the circus!
As they waited outside beforehand, these young people felt all the anticipation and excitement that anyone feels before a big event.
Even a child whose facial muscles donÕt allow her to smile ... knows what joy feels like!
Inside, it was complicated for some of them to get situated, but these families are used to figuring out such logistics.
Our photographer Oleg wasnÕt allowed to shoot during the performance itself ... but Alla reports that the families had a terrific time!
A special thank-you to friends who donÕt wait for a special project, but simply give when they can.
You made such a happy memory for these children and families!
More adventures to come! Thanks for journeying with us!
Much love,
Doug Brendel
To give online — click here
To auto-give each month — click here
To send a check by snail mail — New Thing, 403 Linebrook Road, Ipswich MA 01938
To follow our photo blog — click here and choose ÒFollowÓ
Thanks again!