February will mark three years of war. What does this mean for our community? And how is Last Bell helping?
Wartime in Zhytomyr, Ukraine
The war is a constant presence. Even with international support, defending the country against a brutal, much bigger aggressor has taken its toll. Soldiers and civilians are giving all they can, often donating toward military supplies. Daily life is disrupted by air raid sirens. The cost of living is higher.
Military officers check draft paperwork on the street; one of our Restoration Project crew members was approached outside his daughter’s kindergarten. He was excused because of a disability, but many go straight to training.
Recently, Director Andrey saw an injured veteran. He’d had several amputations and appeared to have lost his sight. A woman was helping him walk. Andrey felt joy for his survival, and heartache for his losses. It’s common to see injured soldiers and experience these mixed feelings.
About 10% of Ukrainians are enlisted, either active duty or reserves. Or, to paint the picture more clearly, half of the men capable of bearing arms are enlisted – three million people. Soldiers aren’t “somebody else.” They’re Last Bell’s staff, the youth we serve, volunteers, church members, friends, family, ministry partners, and neighbors.
Orphaned Student Soldier Killed in Action
In October, one of our Educational Outreach youth died fighting on the front lines. Misha has been involved at Last Bell since 2020. He was a bright, cheerful guy who came from a Christian foster family. “He was a good friend to many,” wrote staff member Ilya, and many Last Bell youth went to his memorial service.
Misha’s death was a hard loss for everyone. It’s also unlikely to be the last significant loss for our community. Please pray for everyone coping with so many griefs and worries.
The war is wearying, but your support brings meaningful help.
War Relief Fund expenses are now divided between the needs of soldiers and humanitarian needs in Zhytomyr. In upcoming emails, you’ll see your giving in action in these two areas.
Thank you for walking and praying with us through these dark times.
You can donate to the War Relief Fund here.