Cara Tetro
It has been just under three weeks since Matt Marsiske of Pontypool joined Chris Nelder of Millbrook for several overseas missions in Krivoy Rog, Ukraine. They have been busy working under a ministry called Loads of Love through a program called McJoyful. Matt and Chris are just finishing up the McJoyful program which focuses on bringing many children and individuals from rehabilitation centres, orphanages and clinics to McDonalds’ for a happy meal, small gift and a message about Jesus every year around Christmas. The program has brought approximately 3500 children to McDonalds’ this year alone!
When the McJoyful program first started 15 years ago, McDonalds’ had opened new elite restaurants all across the Ukraine, formerly a part of the Soviet Union. Ukrainian families that were financially secure would even consider going to McDonalds’ for a very special occasion. In view of this fact, McJoyful has become very impacting. Ed Dickson, the founder of the program, recalls a memory of when past leaders asked the children to put their happy meal toys aside and they refused. The children did not want the toys out of their sight for even a second. “Isn’t it amazing that kids would be SO excited about a toy that other kids would usually toss away and forget,” Ed remarked. When the children left, they even took their McDonalds’ placemats, straws, wrappers and cups in remembrance of their time at the restaurant. What we consider garbage, others perceive as precious souvenirs.
Matt explains, “It was definitely tiring spending every day at McDonalds’. But it was probably one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done, putting smiles on faces of kids in really rough situations.” While observing the children, Matt says, “they have shown more joy than I have ever seen before.” Some of these kids have been closed off from the community; McJoyful gave them an experience that they will never forget. Something that has challenged Matt so far is the language barrier. They are getting by without a translator and it has been “really stretching,” explains Matt.
These two young men have one more group of children left to bring to McDonalds’. They then will be involved with more orphans and possibly disabled children and adults. They are flexible and willing servants who will go wherever they are needed. Hats off to these young men who are following God’s calling to help others in very difficult circumstances.