Fifteen years ago, abused, abandoned and orphaned children were everywhere on the streets of Kiev, Ukraine. With the initiative of a few caring individuals, a ministry has launched that is changing the lives of a generation. In July 2013, a group of four from San Diego, California traveled to Ukraine to meet many children being rescued from abuse and abandonment. This book is a journal of the group's meeting and engaging with amazing children being rescued, from infants to 16 year olds, and gifted, loving workers who are selflessly serving them. The children are severely at risk. They are from homes, to the extent they exist at all, characterized by alcoholism, drug abuse, child abuse, neglect and abandonment, and prostitution. "Rescuing Ukrainian Children" is the description of this burgeoning, transformational ministry from the perspective of outsiders who were privileged to meet the children and those caring for them, and to participate first-hand in this life changing work. Ministries visited and described included an orphanage in Kiev, a summer camp for children at risk, a ranch for adults and families that are otherwise homeless, disabled, and recovering addicts in a rural area in the northern part of Ukraine, and a women's prison that holds mothers with young children. Annotated with hundreds of color pictures, the account is thrilling, eye-opening, heart rendering and life changing. Much has been and is being accomplished. There is much more to do, especially in Ukraine's current extraordinary political times. "Rescuing Ukrainian Children" puts it all in context, and casts a vision for expansion of this vital work. For those who cannot go personally, this book is the opportunity for an insider's view that will not be forgotten. *Note - all net royalty proceeds from sales of the book will be donated to Children's Rescue Center in Ukraine.
Bruce Elliott and his wife Anne Elliott are the founders of Children's Rescue Center in Ukraine, developing the ministry over the past 15 years. Bruce and Anne have three adult children and two grandchildren. Their daughter, Sarah Elliott Overbey, lived in Kiev and worked in the ministry for 1 1/2 years. Bruce is an accountant by training, and a software entrepreneur. George Kenney is married to Olga. Together they are active in leading marriage ministries and encouraging married couples. George also leads a men's ministry called "Wild Men" inspired by the book "Wild at Heart Revised & Updated: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul" by John Eldredge. George and Olga have one married daughter and a grandson. George is an engineer by training, a finance executive and a venture capitalist. Duane Horning is married to Cathy. They have four grown children, three of whom have served in the Children's Rescue Center, orphanage, and summer camp, in short term missions in Kiev. The Hornings are also close to a young couple they claim as their own, and are Papa and Grammy to eight grandchildren. Duane is a business litigation attorney.
