“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”
Mark 9:37
For over 10 years now our mission has been to bring the Gospel to the Slavic people in Italy through street evangelism, hospitality, providing food and vital resources to those in need, as well as visiting hospitals and ministering in prisons. But in the last two weeks our ministry shifted to provide immediate help to the Ukrainian refugees fleeing their country in danger. As soon as two days after the first bombings in Ukraine, people started to arrive in Italy. Two weeks later, Italy has taken in around 20,000 refugees. Our immediate response has been gathering food, medicine and clothes from local communities in Italy to support those escaping war. The number of supplies donated has been incredible. We thank our Heavenly Father daily for how he provides.
Another way we are able to help is meeting refugees at train stations daily and help them settle in their new homes. We have been partnering with many local churches and communities that have opened up their doors to provide temporary shelter. It is truly incredible to witness people working in unity.
This week we traveled 2,000 km to the Ukrainian border with 8,000 pounds of supplies, including food, medicine, clothes, baby food and diapers that will be delivered to many families who are not able to leave Ukraine. When we arrived at the border, we saw many Ukrainians with children leaving their country as they continue moving west in search of a new home. As sad as it was to witness many displaced Ukrainians, it was encouraging to see many organizations supporting Ukrainian people at the border in Poland with food, clothing, temporary housing and transportation.
Our prayer requests are for:
- God to keep revealing ways we can be most useful with all the danger surrounding Ukraine
- Volunteers at the border – who are working tirelessly to help refugees
- Our safety driving between Italy and the Ukrainian-Poland border
- Supplies to be delivered to much needed areas
- The conversations we have with refugees and for them to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ
- Funds for a 2nd vehicle to help deliver supplies to Ukraine and bring back refugees moving to Italy
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9
