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Pray for Ukraine

Written by Jo Ann Carr on . Posted in Last Bell Blog, War Relief.

Sometimes we hear the question, “Is the war in Ukraine still happening?”

The answer is “yes.” Tomorrow marks two years of shelling, bombing of civilians, the kidnapping of children, and other horrors.

Friends also ask how close we are to the front. Here’s an analogy: If you drive east from Indianapolis, somewhere in Pennsylvania you’ll be in the midst of trench warfare.

Two years ago, tanks rolled toward Kyiv. Families tearfully hugged goodbye. Our staff and youth began to hear about the deaths of loved ones. Now soldiers at the front lines need relief, but nobody wants to send more loved ones into danger.

Those memories can be too painful to revisit.

But our community is comforted by God’s presence. Staff member and former orphan Yuliana writes:
“We work, serve, rest, donate to our army, pray for soldiers… help those in need… go to conferences, get inspired… sometimes rejoice.

“But many innocent Ukrainians and children are dying. Our church is next to the military cemetery, and every day there are more and more graves… I often cry, and I believe Jesus cries with me… My faith is strengthened by the fact that my God is near!”

During these days of observing the anniversary, we ask our friends in the U.S. to carry our Ukrainian community in prayer.
• Pray that God will strengthen faith and protect hearts and minds from memories of trauma.
• Pray protection over orphaned youth and their loved ones on the front lines.
• Pray for the protection and return of children.
• Pray for an end to the war and a free Ukraine.

Photos: Two Years of War Relief in Ukraine

Written by Jo Ann Carr on . Posted in Last Bell Blog, Photos, War Relief.

When Russia began its full-scale invasion two years ago, we joined innumerable others bringing relief to Ukraine. You made it possible through your gifts to the war relief fund.

As we look back, we see so many ways your generosity served people suffering because of the war:

Through personal connections, our staff heard about needs in several nearby villages and brought humanitarian aid. Several staff members brought aid to the city of Malin, which was hit hard in the early weeks.

We already had a system for sending groceries and diapers to orphaned moms in rural villages. Thanks to your donations, we were able to add shipments to families with war-related needs.

In those first weeks, you covered gas and vehicle maintenance as our staff took trip after trip to the border, evacuating orphaned moms and kids. Visits to these relocated families brought encouragement during those frightening early months.

Early in the war, the Shelter served as a safe haven for evacuees headed to Poland, refugees who’d landed in Zhytomyr, and evacuees returning temporarily for paperwork or other needs.

Quickly the Shelter facility also became a logistical hub for storing and distributing humanitarian aid. We collected and packaged up supplies from the U.S., Canada, and Ukrainian friends for many families in need. Ministry partnerships became humanitarian aid networks.

Your funds provided supplies for soldiers, including our own orphaned youth on the front lines. Director Andrey checked the legitimacy of each request so your gifts would be used wisely. Our staff served as “family at home” who prayed for and encouraged orphaned youth in the military.

Our staff served many in our community who lost loved ones early in the war, including a mom from our Stop the Cycle program whose husband died. Your support allowed us to make repairs to her home.

Orphaned youth are often relegated to the margins of their society, but we invited them to participate in wartime projects for civilians: first aid classes, distributing humanitarian aid, planting trees for fallen soldiers, even making trench candles for soldiers.

The devastation of war can be overwhelming. But you’ve stepped in to help us ease the burden, one person at a time. We don’t take your support for granted. Thank you!