Project: Hope For Yuri

At the end of August, we posted a heart-wrenching plea from seventeen-year-old McKennaugh Kelley, asking, even begging for us to help two disabled Ukrainian orphans get adopted. You not only responded with compassion, you were moved to action, sharing the article around the Internet, pledging money towards adoptions expenses, and praying, praying, praying.

Here’s an update from McKennaugh:

Due to everyone who shared this article, a family saw it in an online prayer group and decided that they were going to step forward to adopt Yuri. They are now starting his adoption process, which may take around a year. Please pray for them as they embark on a journey of faith to bring love to Yuri.

Thanks again. I can never forget how it felt to hold little children in my arms who were dying from lack of food and love. I will also never be able to forget it when someday I see pictures of these boys smiling in loving arms.

The Worch Family (that’s them above) is in the process of filling out paperwork, getting passports in order, having home studies, and holding silent auctions and fundraisers to help cover the adoption expenses — which should amount to nearly $30,000 when all is said and done. Please keep them in your prayers and consider contributing to their fundraiser.

You can follow their ongoing story on their blog, Unashamed Hope, and follow their fundraising at YouCaring.com. At the time of this writing they have raised $2,794 of their $30,000 goal. We’re sure than any amount counts.

One way young people can rebel against low expectations is by learning to give generously to worthwhile causes. For more on the topic of young people and giving, check out this story about two boys in Zimbabwe and our commentary at the end.

Finally, keep Viktor in your prayers. A family also stepped forward for him, but were unable to move forward due to Canadian adoption requirements. His need is just as desperate as before. You can follow his ongoing story on McKennaugh’s Facebook Page.