Bus4Life travelled to Ukraine the first week of June, and a two-day outreach was organised right after its arrival. It rained heavily on the first day of the outreach, but the team decided to carry on with the kids’ programme regardless of the rain as they had spent a lot of time and energy preparing for it. They started the day with only seven children. But as squeals of joy were heard across the neighbourhood, more and more children showed up. Two hours later the team counted 70 children in attendance!
The Ukraine team’s children’s programme is designed as a ‘live board game’, Jumanji, Welcome to the Jungle. First, the children meet a ranger who tells them about old writings that he has found. The writings include clues to look for a treasure, the most valuable thing in the world. The kids then solve problems to win points. When they have collected enough points, they are given permission to open the treasure box. Finally, they will find out what the most valuable treasure in the world is like!
After working tirelessly for a couple of hours, the kids are full of suspense and excitement as they open the box. One by one they open the lid and peak inside. At first it looks like there’s nothing inside. Then they see a mirror on the bottom of the box, and they see themselves. “It’s you,” they are told. “You are the most precious, most valuable treasure that God has created. He loves you.”