One day I hope to be able to write and say that the war is over – how we all long for that day to come. We all believe without a doubt that victory will be ours for surely God will put an end to this evil and we can begin to rebuild.
I am returning to Ukraine, leaving here on the 30th of April and arriving in Ukraine on the 3rd of May. Please pray for my trip – even that I could get some sleep on the train (that would be a miracle indeed).
Our Chaplains continue going into the places which are being bombed constantly. May God keep His hand of protection on them always. Chaplain Andre and his group went back to the villages right next to the Russian border, taking food, hygiene products, generators and fresh bread to people who no one helps. They are always especially touched that so many people want to hear God’s word as much as they want the food!
Vadim and Tonya went back to the Chernihiv Region, distributing the same things as the Chaplains. Last time they got to go to a church service there. God is in the midst of this horror, bringing His light into the darkness through those who go. Following is one story from Tonya:
“During the Russian occupation peopled stood in line from 6 in the morning until afternoon just to get some bread. They were forced to pay for it, and if the Russians didn’t like something, they threatened to shoot them and made them leave the line. Many people tried to escape and several elderly people fell because they couldn’t go any further.
One woman really touched me. She stayed after we finished giving out the food and with tears in her eyes, she whispered, ‘I want to accept Jesus as my Savior’. As we prayed, she asked Jesus into her heart.”
Our office continues to go to many villages to give out food and hygiene products, as well as Bibles. Our hearts break for the many tragic stories we hear. Most of the refugees have lost everything and are living day to day not knowing where they will go or what they will do even when the war is over. Following are a couple of stories they heard recently:
“One lady who came from Bakhmut has lost everything, but she is happy to be alive. Once when she and her husband were going to the store, there was an attack and both she and her husband were wounded and they lost a lot of blood while waiting for help to arrive. She was told they would probably have to amputate her leg, but thankfully they were able to save it. Once they were able to be moved, some volunteers helped them leave. The day after they left, their house was bombed and destroyed.”
“One woman lived in the village of Nova Kakhovka. Her children had been taken to safety, but she had decided to stay behind. But when her neighbors died in a missile attack, she knew she had to leave. She found a driver but he charged her $625 and the van was so uncomfortable. At the check points, the Russians checked people and made them take off their clothes. To get to the territory of free Ukraine, she had to go to Crimea, then Moscow, Lithuania and Poland.”
We were recently asked to help the organization “Dreamers” which holds camps in the Carpethian Mountains for women and children of our soldiers. Psychological help is also provided for the trauma they suffer daily living in a country at war and knowing their husband or father could be killed at any time. They were short $4,500 and asked if we could sponsor some of it. After checking it out thoroughly we decided to donate the entire amount. Please pray for healing and restoration for them as the camp will be held form April 27 to the 30th for 50 people.
I want to give thanks to the many people and organizations who are helping us, along with you. It’s wonderful to see the unity of God’s people and how far God is extending our reach because of it – all of us together, with His help, are reaching thousands and thousands of people! So – many thanks to all of you for your continued support and prayers and to The Rotary Club International, Bridge of Life, Communitas, NY Start I Øst Norway, and Master’s International Ministry!
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