News From GHT A PUBLICATION TO FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS OF GOD’S HIDDEN TREASURES AUGUST 2012

The day of our annual picnic dawned after many weeks of preparation – the volunteers were in place, the food was being cooked, and the vans were out all over the city picking up people and bringing them to the picnic, while others came by wheelchair, walkers, or family cars. We had prayed long and hard for no rain, cooler temperatures, and a slight breeze. What we got was cooler temperatures (down from 90's to mid-70's) and a slight breeze, but it did rain. When the rain continued, we began moving people under our two tent covers which were set up for the singing and so forth. There is a semi-round building in the back of the area where we have our pic-nic and we started moving benches up there and people in wheelchairs. About 1/4th of them stayed in their usual spot under the trees. We quickly got plastic covers, umbrellas, blankets and so forth passed out.

By Nita Hanson

God’s Amazing Ways

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I was so sure that if the weather got bad, few would come or that they would go home if they were there. But it started to rain after most everyone was there and the rest were on their way. No one left - and these are the same people who say they can't have even wind blow on them - they never go out in bad weather! So that was our big miracle - we think we had as many people as normal, between 350- 400.

We kind of made it into an adventure - when we started the picnic and I officially welcomed every-one, I told them that this was going to be the best picnic ever! Several told Dr. Tamara when she asked if they were okay that wouldn't melt. And, guess what, we all did have the best time we've ever had - everyone got a hot meal, heard God's Word and songs, saw a puppet show put on by the IMPACT team, and much other entertainment. And because it wasn't so hot, none of us were exhausted like we usually are.

My office got me a Ukrainian blouse to wear at the picnic and Dr. Tamara got me a floppy hat and all of them said how nice and beautiful I looked - like a real Ukrainian lady! But it didn't take long for the hat to get soaked and start to droop, the blouse to get wet and start to bleed the red colors, and my slacks to get muddy. In short, I looked like a drowned rat!

After the picnic people began calling the office and thanking us for such a wonderful day. Everyone has said it WAS the best picnic ever. They’ve also said how much it meant to them that we so quickly passed out umbrellas, plastic covers and blankets. God gave us an opportunity to show His love in a personal and meaningful way and they were very touched by the obvious care and love poured out on them.

By the way, we had asked for prayers for the Lord's hand to cover the Park until around 7 p.m. Just minutes after 7 it started pouring (and I mean sheets of rain with thunder and lightning). Doesn't the Lord have a wonderful sense of humor! I love Him so much.

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways

are far beyond anything you could imagine.” (Isaiah 55:8)

NEWS FROM GHT PAGE 3

After a frustrating delay, our container of medical supplies was finally released by Ukrainian

customs. What a joy to be able to notify the hospitals and clinics that the equipment they had been waiting for was finally available. One by one the hospitals and clinics made appointments to come to the warehouse where they selected the items that they needed. Unfortunately, some clinics lacked the ability to drive to our warehouse. Instead, they gave us a wish list of items they needed. Our wonderful staff carefully packed these requests and personally delivered them to the clinics. Each delivery was met with unabashed gratitude, the staff assuring us that every piece of equipment would be used to the fullest extent possible.

Those who were able to make the trip did so in empty ambulances, which they packed tightly from top to bottom, side to side and front to back. More than a few made more than one trip. Each ambulance came with a doctor and nurse from the clinic and several volunteers to help them load. The doctors walked around the warehouse like kids in a toy store, selecting each of the items with anticipation and excitement.

During the months that it took to gather and distribute these desperately needed supplies, it had become clear to me that none of it would have been accomplished without the selfless dedication and hard work of Nita’s staff and the organization Hands of Hope, who actually collected the equip-ment and arranged for its shipment. And a special thank you to Valentina for all the extra hours she spent shepherding each piece of equipment to its destination; and to Tanya, our bookkeeper, for keeping track of all the numbers involved in moving such a large shipment spanning continents and cultures. And to all of you who are reading my words, a special thank you, because without your support and prayers, and God’s guidance, this wonderful endeavor would not have been possible.

A Cupboard Replenished By Sherry Shaffer

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Camp 2012 In the midst of singing a Ukrainian pop song to which I did not know the words, to an entire

camp of Ukrainian kids, moms and grandmas, who just so happened to be laughing hysterically at my mumbling efforts, I posed a simple question in my mind, “God, how did I get here?

I’m always amazed at God’s ability to bring us to places we never thought we’d be, doing things

we never dreamed we’d do. If you would have told me in high school that my job would involve public speaking in front of big crowds every single week, I would have laughed at you. Yet despite my fear of public speaking, God has brought me to be a pastor.

I know that I am simply one of many who have similar stories of God’s guidance outside of their

own comfort zones. Nita Hanson, who founded God’s Hidden Treasures (GHT), shares her own story of God overcoming her belief that mission was not her calling to bring her to Ukraine 16 years ago to care for those the Lord put on her heart. The Lord is working powerfully in Ukraine through GHT and I’m excited to share with you about our team’s experience. My hope is that you would get a glimpse of how God is working in Ukraine and pray about how God might use you to join in that work.

Amongst the many that GHT ministers to are chil-

dren with Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, diabetes and other disabilities. These wonderful children made up our camp in Volodarka, Ukraine. This camp was put on by God’s Hidden Treasures and a mission training agency called The Sending Place located in Sacramento, CA. Our team had six members. Even though this was a smaller team than we’re accustomed to, God was our ever-present help during the camp.

Each day with the kids involved Bible studies,

crafts, skits, games, meals and lots of fun. Our theme for the week was “God is with me always.” We even learned the theme in Ukrainian so we could say it with our campers every day. One child who absolutely grabbed our hearts is a young man named Andre. He has been coming to camp since the first time they had one in 2005. Andre will grab your hand, bring it to his mouth and give you kisses. I had the chance to talk with Andre’s mom. Because of his wheelchair and his size he does not get out of the home very often. In fact, a typical day for Andre is spent at the window watching what goes on out-

side. His mom told me that when he looks out that window, she knows he is thinking about camp. He cannot wait for it. Starting January 1st, GHT begins receiving calls from families asking if there will be camp this year. Andre is a young man who needs to hear that message, “God is with me always.” Anya is an adorable little girl I met at camp. Her story just broke my heart. Because of a mistake by the doctors Anya’s birth was induced very prematurely. When she was born the doctors told her parents she would not live, and wouldn’t even let them give her a name because they said she was not a person and she would not live. It took nearly ten days before the doctor’s finally decided to treat Anya.

By Pastor Scott Yount

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Today I’m so thankful God guarded her life. She is just the sweetest little girl. She will call

your name nonstop until you bend down and look her in the face. Only then does she tell you the words, “I love you.” After that, you wish you could take her home with you. Because of GHT, she and her sister Oxsana (who is severely brain-damaged due to another doctor’s mistake) get to come to camp and hear that God is with them always.

There are 23 other campers our team could tell you wonderful stories about. During the

week of camp, each of them had a chance to hear how God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). They are such a treasure to God, He was even willing to pay the price of His own Son, that they might be His forever.

The kids at the camp are just a

fraction of the people whose lives have been impacted by GHT. This is simply a glimpse of how God is working in Ukraine. On our trip we also had the opportunity to minister to some of the moms and grandmas of these children. Raising children with disabilities in Ukraine is a difficult task. During the camp the moms have their own Bible studies. We answered questions ranging from baptism to witch craft. A huge high-light from camp was the moms’ willing-ness to sacrifice their precious afternoon tea in order to join in our water balloon games with the kids. We are still drying off! The moms were truly grateful for the love we showed their children. They told us it was a “fantasy” week for their families.

While the camp was the major focus of our trip, we also went and visited homes of stroke

patients to pray with them and to encourage them in their rehabilitation. We helped deliver wheel- chairs to the homes of people who have lost mobility. GHT also reaches out to a Boy’s Orphanage for the mentally challenged and two other State-run orphanages, they hold clinics for diabetics, go on “Mobile Medical Clinics” to the outlying villages, provide support groups for the caregivers and so much more.

As I think about young Andre looking out that

window and thinking of camp I ask myself, “How can I not want to go and help?” There are so many ways to be in-volved and join in what God is doing in Ukraine. I ask you to prayerfully consider supporting GHT. Maybe you too would like to come and be the one to share God’s love with the people of Ukraine. Even when you find yourself in a situation you never dreamed you’d be in, don’t fret. God is with you always!

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Camp-Part 2 By Diana Oldfield

I have been contemplating how to share with you our latest experience in Ukraine, and I must say I am at a loss for words to express what was felt and witnessed by all. We were welcomed warmly and reunited with the children and their parents. It is like going to a family reunion. The children and parents enjoyed the daily “Daniel” Bible study, crafts, Mom’s Tea Party and play time as always. We enjoyed the many times that we had together to pray and worship. There were many evenings that the kids and parents shared their gifts and talents in music, etc. and it put our musical ability (notice I did not say talent) to shame. What a joy to be a part of this. Most of all there were lots of smiles and hugs and just plain “loving each other” which makes the week so special and personal. I would like to share a few high-lights of the week. The first was the water play day with the kids and for the first time included the Moms at their request. What I will remember the most after 500 water balloons, 4 super soakers, and numerous buckets of water is the amount of laughter and shrieks of joy that filled the air from both children and Mom’s alike. Thanks be to God for the hottest day of the week.

The second was the outdoor disco dance with the other campers at the facility and the joy that was felt by all, including our wheelchair kids that were accepted and included in the dance. Finally, was our last night at camp; the awards night. The service began with Nita sharing how God brought her through a very difficult time (her back surgery). Many tears were shed. Then each child and parent was called up by one of the team and shared in front of the entire group how special each one was to us. Each was

hugged and told by us in Ukrainian that “God is with you always” the motto for the week. The service closed in powerful and worshipful music and it was a privilege to be a part of it. Hands were lifted and God was praised. I truly believe that all were touched by the Holy Spirit and this will not soon be forgotten. Sadly, we had just one day with God’s Hidden Treasures staff to do home visits to pray and distribute wheelchairs, etc. The team was again reminded of the living conditions of the Ukrainian people and our hearts were broken. I was left with this; that this mission to these chil-dren and parents each year is about building and growing relationships that allows us to share God's precious love for them. Thanks be to God! Also, to the team, Natalie Anderson, Judie Brown, Monty& Kathy Posey and Pastor Scott Yount, for setting themselves aside and being true servants of God, I say THANK YOU!

NEWS FROM GHT PAGE 7 The Joy of Serving-VBS At the beginning of July I was incredibly blessed to co-lead a mission trip to Ukraine and partner with GHT. Our team of eight had prepared a VBS for the Boys House for the first week. Our theme was “Ocean” and had skits, crafts, and games which incor-porated sea life and lessons about Jesus; we even had a giant inflatable whale! We taught different stories from the Bible each day and I think that singing and dancing with the boys to praise songs was the highlight of each day for our team. It was such a fun manifestation of God’s love and joy to see the boys’ faces filled with excitement when we would show up each morning. In the afternoons and during the next week our team participated in home visits and wheelchair dis-

tributions. With the help of a translator and God’s Hidden Treasures staff we would go into Ukrainian homes and visit with people who seldom have the chance to leave their homes, and many of whom do not have family or friends to visit them. These visits let us learn more about the people of Ukraine cultur-ally, but also on a more personal level. On Wednesday of the second week we helped out at the annual GHT picnic, where many people we had met during the home visits were in attendance. It had

been hot and sunny for most of our trip, but the country needed rain, and on the day of the picnic we prayed that God would hold the rain off until after the picnic was over. However, that was not His plan. And it did rain. But in His perfect plan, He was glorified anyway by our passing out extra umbrellas and plastic table covers for protection, by still smiling as we walked around in the rain passing out food, and by singing His praises loudly in the park. It was amazing to see the joy and hope in the people who attended the picnic despite the rain. I received so many hugs and kind smiles and “thank you”s, and was blessed in return by serving. Those who braved the rain were all able to experience God’s power and love.

Being able to go to Ukraine was a great experience for me as God surpassed all my expectations by showing me that His ways are not my ways, but that His are higher and better (Isaiah 55:8).

By Shannon Laverty

God’s Hidden Treasures is a ministry that serves the needs of the poor, the disabled and the or-phaned of Ukraine and brings God’s love through personal relationships in the name of Jesus Christ.

God’s Hidden Treasures P.O. Box 4276 San Clemente, CA 92674 www.godshiddentreasures.org

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