Pivirotto Family

We have corresponded over the years with children from all over the world, including the Vinnitsia Christian Orphanage and recipients of “shoe boxes” sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse.  It is always a delight to receive such a letter and read it as a family. The notes provide us an opportunity to pray for and support a child.  Over the past 6 years we have developed a particular fondness for a child in Kosovo,  a girl named Alkena,  and have corresponded regularly. Each year around Christmas our family joyfully  sends her small gifts, pictures, and notes of friendship.  We take the opportunity to share the Gospel and promise to pray for her. Last year we sent a Christmas box to her but did not receive a reply.  We sent a follow up letter, but still no reply.  Our family was disappointed thinking we had lost contact with her forever but we continued to keep her in our prayers.

Just a few weeks ago, my heart leaped for joy when I opened the mailbox to find a letter from dear Alkena.  She wrote that all is well and that she dreams one day to be a doctor to care for the children in her Country.  She also shared that she hopes to visit us someday.  This child has touched our hearts and lives and we’ve never even met her.  We are thankful that our God has used our family in a small way to hold up and pray for a little girl half way around the world. One day in Heaven I think we’ll still have a particular fondness for one another.

Our family also takes great joy to be a His Kids sponsor for 3 children at the Vinnitsa orphanage.  The children’s pictures hang on our refrigerator as a reminder to pray for their spiritual and physical needs.  My husband Michael and oldest son Matthew have visited the orphanage and tell of the loving care that each child receives there.   We are thankful for a church that “walks” the Gospel in caring for those in the shadows of life who are often forgotten and defenseless.  We are humbled that our Savior can use our family to care for and show the love of Jesus to such precious children.

- Judy Pivirotto
December, 2009