YSA Service Project

One of the activities at our Youth Conference in August will be a service project. Time will be set aside during our three day conference for those attending to give service. As we contemplated this time, we decided we wanted a project that would last in the hearts and memories of those giving service and those receiving that service. Gary and Christine Baker - far right and children from orphanage.

Enter Brother and Sister Baker from a city about 2 hours North of Yekat. Gary, a long term employee with Boeing, has taken the assignment as the start up CEO director general for a three year period. His job is to build and equip a new facility for a joint venture that is owned half by Boeing and half by a Russian company. I had heard that Christine was helping with two orphanages near her home and emailed her as to the possibility of our YSA doing a service project to help these children.

When the children turn 17 years old they graduate -- which means they must leave the orphanage. They are given a blanket, some towels, a toiletry kit, a small sewing kit, and a little money. Some may return to distant relatives, others may go to a hostel, others may find their own way to school or work. Their road is very difficult, because they must face it basically alone. Our YSAs have accepted the challenge of making 12 quilts for those 'graduating', and if we can get the money, we hope to make toiletry bags also. We have plans to involve the Relief Society sisters in helping to tie the quilts, and we will invite our English Club members to participate in giving a little worthwhile service. We think this will be a great opportunity to bring people together in brotherhood, and will bless many people, as well as our youth. Some of the graduating class crowd around Christine - it's easy to see their mutual affection.

The small children live in very crowded conditions, but love to frolic and act out, especially in front of the camera. Just like all children, these boys love brownies and treats -- but fruit is a mainstay and is loved by all Russian children. Christine and Gary Baker love these children -- Christine is passionate about serving them and she has been a great help to us as we have planned and organized this service project. Hopefully it will be a memorable experience that will lead to lives focused on charity and giving. It's hard to imagine what life would be like without a family, or the support of a church family. I think it would be very difficult. I know the Lord loves all his children and I know He expects us to look after and care for those who need help.