A new pet can be exciting at first. When we first got our puppy, the kids fought over who got to feed her. When we took her for walks, everybody wanted a turn holding the leash. As time wore on, ‘we’ got less excited to have a dog. The kids still love her, but guess who is feeding her, walking her, bathing her?
Now 200 days into the war, google trends show that the term ‘Ukraine war’ is only searched for about one fourth as much as it was in February, with little blips when a major event happens, like the recent liberation of Izium. For this reason, I thought it was time for an update on the stories I have posted over the course of the last eight months about the churches in Ukraine, Poland and Romania.
As with our dog, and google, these churches independently confirmed the same thing; excitement is down. Some of this is due to inflation, but much of it also has to do with our short attention span. Some are trying to figure out how to put food on the table, but others may have simply turned the page to the next attention getting event, like elections and football.
Here is the latest from…
…Nikopol:
Our own beloved congregation in Nikopol has come under fire beginning July fourteenth. Many members of the congregation fled to safety in Western Ukraine and Europe, but still about half remain. We have two alcohol rehab facilities that are about seven miles out of town. All access to the village is closed, the only way in and out is through Nikopol. Those who stayed have decided if the situation worsens in Nikopol, they will have a chance to get out. Our preacher there feels an obligation to stay behind for those who can’t leave. They just acquired sheep so they have a guaranteed food source for the winter. They don’t anticipate Russian aggression letting up.
Support for this ministry can be sent to: Nikopol Evangelism 1200 E Moreland Blvd Waukesha WI 53186
…Kyiv
In Poznyaki just outside Kyiv. Sasha says it is peaceful. The church is gathering for prayer meetings on Tuesdays and services on Sunday. They have around thirty in attendance. Many members of their congregation have gone to stay in the church in Sopot including Sasha’s wife, Natasha. They have started conducting classes for the Ukrainian Bible Institute. Though the classes are done online, as much of the student body is now spread out over Europe. The church in Sopot is working in tandem with the Poznyaki congregation bringing relief to hospitals and retirement homes and children’s homes.
Taras is from a small congregation on the outskirts of Kyiv. He sounded tired on the phone, so I tried not to keep him for too long. He had just completed the trip to Kramatorsk from Kyiv, a 1200 mile trip. Usually, what used to be a ten-hour trip, now takes three days by car due to the many roads that are closed. Taras brings supplies from his hometown to some of the places hit hardest by the war. He doesn’t bring anyone with him because it’s too dangerous. The day I talked with him; two rockets struck within 100 yards of him. Jeff Abrams is sending him support. He says Taras is a bit of a ‘daredevil’. We’re thanking God for his courage, and for the prayers that keep him safe, but prayers do not buy supplies, gas and upkeep on a vehicle.
You can send funds to him personally through his Paypal account at tarasdanilenko64@gmail.com
…Irpin
‘Let’s Love Life’ ministry in this Church of Christ in a Kyiv suburb is still going strong, with Dima and Dennis and various ones going in all directions. Completing three to four trips per week. They just brought bread to Izium the city allegedly when Ukrainians recovered this city from Russian occupation and the true depravation was discovered. Dennis and Dima say they were just grateful they could share the love of God.
Sopot, Poland
The Sopot congregation became a center for Ukrainians seeking refuge at the beginning of the war. Molly Dawidow says that at first the church had to keep someone stationed at the door of their building just to receive donations, but as the war wore on, the flood of donations became a trickle.
The church didn’t realize the ministry would be as big as it has been: they initially prepared to receive twenty people at the building, but at one point there were over fifty! During the summer, about 10% of the refugees returned to Ukraine, some went further west and others have found apartments in Sopot. Though the number of refugees at the building has gone down, there are still over 80 who stayed in the Tri-City area.
The work hasn’t let up, but they have found a routine to the enormous workload. The needs have transitioned from just food and shelter to things like providing school supplies, getting doctor’s appointments, and providing Polish lessons as many are realizing that they will be in Poland for a while. Some may never leave, and children are learning to speak Polish as they spend their formative years in Poland.
They can receive funds at: College Church of Christ 712 E. Race St. Searcy AR. 72143
Please designate checks for the Sopot church.
…Cluj Romania
Though the influx of new refugees to Romania is slowing down, the church in Cluj is still working with 300-500 local refugees daily. They continue to operate the “free store”, where groceries purchased by donors can be picked up. They are still providing medicine for them and have begun offering English and Romanian classes, in addition to Bible Studies.
Since the war began, the Cluj congregation has had over 38,600 different refugees come for assistance. Imagine what God has done with our donations through a church of about twenty people! They rent an entire apartment building next door where refugees stay. Six Ukrainians and some Romanian non-Christians are helping with the ministry. Adi Voici continues to drive humanitarian aid into Ukraine, alternating weeks in Ukraine and Romania.
They receive funds through the Levy Church of Christ P.O. Box 1297, Conway, AR 72033