Gwyn Williams shares about the impact you are making to people living in a country at war.
In August, I had the privilege of visiting our partner organisation, Bread of Life, in Bucharest, Romania, who have been assisting us in providing a regular supply of food into Ukraine since the start of the war.
Amounting to over 2,500 tonnes of aid – over 156 artic lorry-loads – from all of our centres in Europe and USA; quite a staggering amount of food.
I would like to express my thanks to you – individuals, churches and organisations – for coming together to show Kingdom love to those in need.
Surviving The Next Stage
As the war enters a new destructive phase, I wanted to capture how and what the people in Ukraine were going through. As with many disasters and wars, it’s the young children, the old, the poor, the isolated and broken families that are suffering the most.
We have great partners such as the young and enthusiastic Pastor Yan Horus in Ismail. He and his family have opened up their home for food distribution, and the church as a home to 40 families.
Many of them volunteer to help with food distribution to isolated old people in remote villages; people who do not have financial support and families struggling with the loss of fathers on the frontline.
While I was there, the announcement of 40 to 50 year olds being called to enlist sent shockwaves across the country. This was very apparent as we unloaded the food off the trucks that we were surrounded by women and retired older men, lifting boxes of rice meals, bread rolls, crisps and tinned food of the trucks into the store room.
The food distribution to nearby villages is given out from a hot soup van, so there is the sense of community and connectivity with those who have received the food. There is also a presentation of the gospel and opportunity to take away Bibles and New Testaments for Children.
It’s through these opportunities where the team can connect with families who are struggling the most.
Emergency Interventions
A local school teacher came up to the team to ask for an intervention for an expectant mother and three children who had no financial support and were in danger of being split up. Pastor Yan was happy to give not only food but also clothing and hygiene packs to help in the situation.
We cannot thank you enough for the support you give to transform lives. I’ve received no end of very long bear-hugs from the teams on the ground as an expression of their gratitude.
On their behalf, thank you so much for the love you’ve shown to those being served and upheld in Ukraine.
Continue to support our disaster relief effort in Ukraine.
