"FFC helped me realize that God is always there and loves us."

An Interview with Maxim in Ukraine

Maxim was one of the first children to come to Future for Children (FFC) in Ukraine when he began attending in 2016. For nearly a decade now, Maxim and his sister have been coming to the program at FFC nearly every day. 

Maxim is from a large family in Lviv, with 10 people all sharing a small, 2 bedroom apartment. The atmosphere in the household is tumultuous, with financial instability and alcoholism. Despite this, Maxim has grown to be a positive, energetic, friendly and kind young man.

After he graduates, Maxim wants to become a car mechanic. He loves cars, and he also is talented with music and has a great sense of humor. He is always eager to help when FFC offers humanitarian aid and joyfully volunteers his time to serve others.

For the staff at Future for Children, it is rewarding and a beautiful grace of God to see Maxim consider the staff and children at FFC his second family. The staff sat down with Maxim and asked him about his time in the ministry to this point.  

Maxim in 2025

Maxim in 2016

“I started my journey with FFC back when I was 7 years old, when I was in the first grade. Now I am 16 and in the 9th grade.

Over these 9 years, FFC has become for me not just a place to relax, my second family, but a real milestone in my life.

I remember when I came to the FFC at a young age. I didn't know what awaited me then, but over time I realized how much it gave me. Here, I learned to communicate with people, make new friends and pay attention to the little things in life. FFC helped me to become more attentive to everything that happens around me. I learned to listen to people and realized that even small things can be very important.

Most importantly, I realized that there is a God, and He will always help if you turn to Him. I believe that God loves us and will always be there for us.

One of the biggest discoveries for me is understanding who God is. Before, I didn't really understand who he was, but at FFC I met people who really believe and live this faith. It helped me realize that God is always there and loves us.

I am sure that without FFC, my life could have gone a different way. If I had not come here, I might have stayed in bad company and done bad things. But the mentors and the entire staff at FFC became my real friends.

They not only taught me, but also helped me change my outlook on life. I also realized how important it is to make good choices and be a good son and brother. 

I will always remember one of the best trips of my life, a trip to a summer camp in the Carpathians in Bukovel. It was one of the greatest adventures of my life. We went kayaking on the river and climbed to the top of the mountain together. I would like to go there again and will definitely tell my children about these adventures one day.

I have many friends at FFC with whom we discuss important life issues. My friends tell me about their difficult life situations and problems with their friends or in their families.

If I had to give advice to younger kids, I would say: “Respect your mentors and leaders at FFC. Thank them for everything they do for you. It is very important.”