A group of orphans from Eastern Europe will arrive in Kalona tomorrow. The Ukranian children are here on a cultural exchange run by Bridges of Faith, a non-profit based in Alabama. Jerry Rediger is on the advisory board of that organization and the individual who suggested bringing the children to the Midwest.

His involvement also prompted support from the church he’s a member of, Kalona Christian Fellowship. The public is invited to a special 3pm service at the church to learn more about the children and non-profit.

Rediger says the children will be hosted by local families during their weekend stay. As for the children’s home country, Rediger says the conflict in Ukraine has not affected the work Bridges of Faith does. He adds tensions have led to the relocation of their Crimean office to mainland Ukraine.