Some Winnipeggers are bringing a little soul to kids, including orphans, in Ukraine. 

Members of Winnipeg church Soul Sanctuary are currently helping serve at a camp for children in Ukraine. The camp helps kids learn English by using the Bible as a textbook.

Sharon Michalski says that meeting the orphans at the camp has been a moving experience. Being a teacher and therapist, she says "I am moved by anyone who doesn’t have parents. I see the damage done to people who come out of instability. This can follow them their entire lives unless they deal with their feelings of loss."

Soul Sanctuary has sponsored 20 of the kids to attend the camp. Michalski says there are pastors working hard at the camp who have a genuine care for the kids. She says that care and their work is making a big difference in the kids' lives.

Loving orphans while combatting human trafficking

"One of the projects in the works right now, that we are supporting, is a transition home for orphans after they turn 18. You see Ukraine has the second highest percentage of human trafficking in Europe (next to Moldova). The reason for this is that when 18-year-olds exit their orphanages, they have no life skills, and so are preyed upon by human traffickers.

"This transition home would bring them in after they leave the orphanages. Here they would be trained in IT and English. Their training in English would include being taught from the Bible."

For Michalski, and others on the team - including her husband Gerry and son Jordan, who are both pastors at Soul - it's all part of following God's call to disciples.

"I believe the Lord has called us as believers to take care of the less fortunate. Every life is precious and to be valued."