At the beginning of the war, we drove ministry vans full of refugees to the border, including many of our own orphan-led families. The Shelter emptied out, and Stop the Cycle gatherings shrank to a handful of parents and kids.
Most of those families later returned to Ukraine. Others integrated into their host countries. The living situation for our Netherlands group has changed, and it’s not as convenient; but thanks to War Relief donors, we’re ready if they need financial help.
Now, the biggest war relief needs are in-country: our soldiers, and those impacted by war in our local community.
Camp for Military Kids
Staff member Sasha is an assistant military chaplain. Through his service, he’s met many military families at the local training center. In August, Last Bell partnered with Young Life to run a three-day camp for the children of these families.
Last Bell hosted the camp at the Ranch facility, and the War Relief Fund paid for everything. Young Life planned the activities – lots of fun, silly games and moments to relax. Sixteen kids came! Many thanks to our War Relief donors who brought some lightness and joy to these kids.
Supporting Military Families
The War Relief Fund is always ready to help local military families. Some are worried, some are grieving, some have lost income. In addition to practical support, emotional support is deeply important, especially for youth without family ties.
When refugees come home for a visit, it’s traditional to bring gifts from their host country for loved ones. Some of our own refugees bring gifts to the staff. One commented, “I’m glad I have you, so I have someone to give gifts to!”
Our families abroad and at home depend on our staff’s friendship. Staff member Yuliana wrote that our orphaned moms with husbands in the military “have a lot of worries and tears… We’re always in touch when they need anything.”
Earlier this year, our staff prayed over the phone with a mom whose husband was on active duty. Later, she said talking helped her “come to her senses so she could take care of her daughter, because she was in shock and didn’t know how she could keep living.”
Another Stop the Cycle mom, Victoria, shared concerns that her husband had lost weight since joining the military. Your gifts to the War Relief Fund paid for a big box of food for the soldier and his brothers-in-arms.
From the first day of the invasion, you’ve been praying and sending financial support. Your compassion is such an encouragement to our staff and our hurting families. Thank you!
You can donate to the War Relief Fund here.