Supporting Families
My name is Jacob Abair. My wife, Tristin, and I had a chance to go to Ukraine in May 2004 with our church. While in Ukraine our team of 7 had a chance to visit orphanages, churches, and families. While in Ukraine we saw poverty on a level that I never realized existed.
We had a chance to visit one family in particular. When we arrived there was just a mother and daughter at the small apartment. The mother told us that her husband's wood tools, which were necessary for him to make a living, were stolen. He carved boxes and picture frames out of wood. He did not have the money to buy the tools so he went to work as a painter for a man that had not paid him in two months. When I asked why he still worked for the man the women replied "at least with the painter there is a chance of getting paid." I asked how much the tools cost that her husband needed to continue his wood work and she said about one U.S. dollar.
This is the overwhelming poverty that we experienced while in Ukraine. When I came home I began telling the stories that we experienced. I was telling a friend at work about the families we met and their desperate situations. He said "I wish I could do something." All I could say is, "I don't know how to help." The next day I got a call from another friend at work that said he had heard the stories and wanted to know if he could help. And again all I could say is, "I don't know how you can help." That weekend I went to my brother's house in South Carolina and Tristin 
had been telling my sister-in-law the same stories I had told the people at work. After I got home my brother asked if he could help support a family in Ukraine. I had made a wonderful connection with Irina Sulim in Ukraine. She knew where the needy families were and exactly how to help them. Ira seemed to know every kids' name in the orphanages and they all knew hers. She was obviously involved and connected in ministry in Ukraine. So I began to contact her about ways to help Ukrainian families directly. With the help of Lynnise and Catalyst For Kids we set up a network to send money through Ira to needy families. The unique thing about Catalyst For Kid's network is that 100% of the money donated goes to the intended ministry.
We are always looking for anyone with a heart to help the people of Ukraine. If you would like to be a part of this ministry in any way contact Jacob Abair.
"Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?' And the King will tell them, 'I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!"
Matthew 25:37-40 (NLT)