|
Want to help?
Have a question?
|
Frederick ABRO Group
On April 26, 1986, the worst nuclear accident in history occurred in the Soviet Ukraine. The radiation released from the resulting explosion and fire—more than 40 times than at Hiroshima — spread widely and rapidly. No area received more fallout than the small, Eastern European country of Belarus. While Chernobyl has long since disappeared from headlines and newscasts, it is more than a historical footnote. Its effects continue to be recorded in the lives and bodies of the children of Belarus.
What if a “mission trip” could happen in your own home?
What if a needy child showed up literally on your doorstep, longing to learn about
Jesus and see His love lived out in your family and in your church community?
The American Belarussian Relief Organization (ABRO) exists to see that children living in areas contaminated with radiation from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident are assisted in finding a quality of life and hope in the future.
It seeks to do so in the following ways:
- By providing clean food, rest and sanctuary in a radiation-free environment
- By offering medical evaluations and treatments as needed
- By recognizing and nurturing the spirit of those it seeks to assist
Go to www.abro.org for more info.
In 2006, six families from New Hope Presbyterian Church in Frederick opened their lives and homes to five
children and an adult chaperone. In 2008, the group has grown to eight individuals. In December 2007, three
people from Frederick traveled to Belarus to assist at orphanages and visit group members. There are opportunities
for other families and churches to become involved in this wonderful ministry. Application deadlines to
host a child are in February. Contact the church secretary for more information: admin@newhopeopc.org.
But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 19:14
Frequently Asked Questions
Click on any question below to see the answer.
What are the children like?
They are just like your own children. Each child has his or her own personality with particular likes and dislikes. Host families can select the age (7-16 years of age) and gender of their sponsored child. ABRO tries to honor requests to return children to the same host families in subsequent years.
Do I need to speak Russian?
No, it is amazing how capable we all are of communication with someone from a different culture who speaks a different language. With the aid of a Russian-English dictionary, one can point to specific words and it is surprising how well ideas can be communicated. Also, there will be an English-speaking translator with the group. You will be surprised at how much you and your Belarusian child will learn together in just six short weeks.
Will my family be exposed to dangerous levels of radiation? Other health concerns?
No. There is no danger whatsoever. Children must pass a very basic health test in Belarus prior to traveling.
Is it okay to take my child to church?
It is expected that you will take your child to church. Families are encouraged to share the gospel with the children and chaperone. ABRO is one of the few Christian organizations bringing children on respite trips.
How are the children selected?
Children are selected by ABRO Belarus. The children are selected from orphanages, villages, the city of Mogilev or by recommendation from community workers. Most of the children who come to America are very poor by our standards, although some are more fortunate than others. Some have more needs, but all benefit immensely by coming to the US for six weeks in the summer.
What is the cost?
The base cost in 2008 was $1,850 per hosted child, $2,150 for the chaperone. This covers airfare, passports, visas, ground transportation in Belarus, insurance in the US and some ABRO overhead costs. Other costs, generally split among the group, include a stipend for the chaperone, group activities here in the US and costs for food and clothing for your child. There is also a $250 set-aside to cover the medical deductible on the children’s insurance. New host families will be interviewed as part of the application process. Host and relief families must complete application forms for the national organization.
What if I want to host a child but can’t afford to cover all of the costs?
Hosts are encouraged to speak with the leaders at their church to obtain some support and backing. Many churches do provide mission support money to their members. It depends on your church’s mission policy. Some groups send out support raising letters or hold fundraisers. We envision other area churches forming subgroups and having some regional activities and support meetings.
Is training available?
Coordinators try to hold monthly meetings in the spring to: help prepare host and relief families, foster group unity, and discuss plans for the trip. Attendance by at least one family member is strongly encouraged. There are mandatory meetings for new host families.
Can I participate in this ministry without hosting a child or chaperone?
Absolutely. Non-host families, Bible Study Groups, Youth Groups or individuals may participate in this ministry in ways that are limited only by your imagination. See the front for some ideas.
When do the children come and how long do they stay?
The children arrive sometime in June, depending somewhat upon host group desires. They stay with you for six weeks. It is possible for two families to co-host by sharing the cost and having the child stay for three weeks in each home.
What about family vacations?
The child may join your family if you wish. The only stipulation is the child remain in the continental United States. Host families are encourage to go about their normal summer activities and treat the child/chaperone like a member of your family. The child/chaperone can also stay with an approved relief family while you are away. For safety reasons, the child is not to be left home alone without proper supervision.
What do I do if my child becomes homesick?
You can expect that your child may become homesick at some point. Interaction with other ABRO children helps and the group chaperone can be of assistance. But the most important thing is to always show your child that you love them. Many families permit the child to phone their family occasionally for a brief call.
What do we send home with my child?
You should send warm clothing, school supplies, non-perishable food for the trip, some practical items for other family members, and some money.
I would like to communicate with my child and his/her family in Belarus. I do not speak the language. What should I do?
ABRO has a translation service through which you may send an e-mail addressed to the child or family. Your e-mail will be translated into Russian and mailed to the child. When your child or family responds back to the ABRO-Belarus office, their letter will be translated into English and e-mailed back to you. They ask for a $25.00/yr donation to offset the associated translation costs. Even though the children love to receive care packages and mail, they seldom write back. It is one of the frustrations of hosting the children.
|