A letter to inform and thank.
Friends,
Four years ago, at 5 am on the 24th of February, Russia invaded Ukraine.
Almost weekly, someone asks me what is going on in Ukraine. Well, I say, our friends have between 3 and 6 hours of electricity a day. They had to set up a battery system to keep their refrigerator running. Last month was the coldest winter since the 2010s. Imagine 18 hours a day with no heat when he daily average temperature is 21 degrees Fahrenheit.
Last night the air attack from Russia was moderate. They sent 126 drones and missiles to destroy electrical infrastructure, houses, and damage hospitals and schools. It is a failed terror campaign because the resolve of our Ukrainian brothers and sisters is strong. On many nights over these years, the numbers of drones and missiles has been near or above 500 per night.
During these four years of horror our partners in Vinnytsia, Ukraine have prepared and sent hundreds of thousands of meals to the battle lines, to villages in the line of fire, to wounded in hospitals, and to feed thousands of refugees who slept at the camp between one night and several months. Over 25,000 people sheltered there in the first months of the war.
Our partners at the Stream of Love Camp continue working as they have since day one of the war. Neighboring people still rely on meals from the camp kitchen. That kitchen is equipped to operate even when the electricity is out. It was outfitted and upgraded for long term use by donations to CEO. I thank God for the foresight He gave the leader of the ministry as the war has no end in sight. Buildings that house families and a day school a were retrofitted with extra insulation thanks to the financial supporters of CEO. Thank you for being our financial partner. Today, all kinds of people from houses, and even tents, near our partner facility come to warm up, drink tea, get news, and charge their phones.
I remember four years ago realizing how strategic the camp had become during the war. I thank God for his sovereignty as He guided CEO into partnership with our Ukrainian friends. 24 years ago the camp was purchased through the donations of CEO partners like you and the collaboration of our CEO team and the camp ministry founders in Vinnytsia.
All of this is possible only through the gracious and merciful hand of God. He has, is, and will provide. The Lord is faithful. Please continue to pray for Ukraine and their needs. We still send funds monthly. But those funds run out in April. We trust God. Please pray.
Thanks to God’s provision through our supporters like you, during these four years, I figure that we’ve sent $167,000. Thank you so much for being part of this story. Glory to God indeed.
Peace from Grace,
Tom
kingdom travelin' 