Changing the world can begin with a simple golf stroke.  A life of crime and despair canc be prevented by the generosity of a golfer.

At Timberline golf course in Calera Alabama, a group from Green Valley Baptist church will host a the Wayne's Environmental Services Golf Classic.  It will benefit orphans in Ukraine.

The two are literally on opposite ends of the world and have nothing in common. But members of LifeSong and Green Valley Baptist Church Missions Board want to help orphans in Ukraine.

David Byrd a minister at Green Valley Baptist church says, " We really are trying to do our part to help them have a better life."

The golf charity event at Timberline will benefit the orphans.  They hope to provide them with much needed bare neccesities and to help make building improvements.

David Byrd told me, the building really does need work. He says, " When we drove into the orphanage itself it looks like an old military barracks old prison. There was a row of bathroom sinks falling off the wall. "

The Lubitein orphanage is just one of many they visit. They've been working for years to help change the orphans lives, from the inside out.  The group is helping to renovate part of the orphanage. But there's much more than just building improvements.
The mission is also about teaching.

David Byrd says, " Learning how to bake, learning how to do ironwork, learning how to farm teaching them how to read they've got these computer centers set up.

Lyn Scarbrough from Lindy's Publications who's travelled with his church group many times to Ukraine says, " They take the sunflower seeds and press them and turn them into cooking oil then use it  to do all cooking for orphanage for the year. "

They are also teaching them to sell that service to area farmers.  But more than teaching them how to do things, they are also teaching them about God's love.

Lyn Scarbrough says, "People raised in a society told there was no God. And they were told the people of the U.S. Hated them and wanted to kill them.

However, the mission trips in recent years proved otherwise.


David Byrd says, " The kids just run out the door and they are looking for somebody who's just gonna love em... Be their dad for the day.  You're seeing the love you're giving them reflected right back to you. "

To help support the Ukrainian orphanage mission you can sign up to play, sponsor the golf tournament of simply make a donation.  The number to call is 822-2173.