“In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me! Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me!
Love the Lord, all you his saints! The Lord preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride. Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!” (Psalm 31:1-2, 23-24 ESV)
At the time of this posting, it has just gone past midnight in Ukraine on the 24th of August, Independence Day, and six months ago the enemy began its expanded attack across the country. In the next couple of posts, we will look at hope in the face of devastation.
God has used our faithful, diligent partners, your prayers and your generosity to help thousands.
Over 171,000 meals prepared and delivered to areas in need. These meals have gone to war zones, evacuee trains, including meals requested by the hospital in Vinnytsia to feed recovering soldiers as well as the hundreds injured in the missile attacks on July 14th.
Over 10,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) fled their homes in search of safety and have been housed, short and long term. Within the first weeks of war our partners at Trinity Church and Stream of Love Camp were listed online by the local government as recommended shelters.
Summer Camp programs have been up and running this summer. Trinity Church held one week for children and one for teens from war zones was developed and led by Trinity church and served over 200. The local government heard about the success and asked the church to repeat the camp for some of the teens in their care.
Since the beginning of the war, renovations and upgrades on facilities at Stream of Love Camp have continued. These include a total kitchen upgrade to mass produce meals to feed IDP and send meals to the battle zones. Preparations for winter continue as this facility was designed primarily for use in the summer and was not winterized. They have been working for months to insulate and renovate the building for future influx of people fleeing the changing front of battle.
Other housing aid is being addressed when possible.
A house outside of Vinnytsia has been made suitable for two families to live long term.
A family home in Irpin (near Kyiv) had their roof destroyed in a shelling attack. Our partners were able to assist her with repairs to the roof on her home
An early photo from March as mass food preparation was just beginning.
Life at Stream of Love Camp includes volunteers and new residents who have fled the fighting on the streets of their villages and towns. Life goes on anew for many displaced persons thanks to the blessing of God who works through these folks.
At present we are able to send about $500 per day to provide necessary funding for the various aspects of this great endeavor.
Please consider renewing / joining our efforts by sending a one time gift today or perhaps a monthly ongoing donation to our Ukraine Aid partnership.
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”(Philippians 1:3-6 ESV)
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” 2 Timothy 2:24-26 ESV
This struck me this morning.
I’m asking myself: “Who is it that I need to replace arguing with kindness ?
“But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant, and save the son of your maidservant. Show me a sign of your favor, that those who hate me may see and be put to shame because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.” Psalm 86:15-17 ESV