Blogs are like social media posts. If they aren’t regular, people don’t look for the updates.
So … apologies with the faithfulness of our blog posts, but please know that we ARE being faithful to continue to support, encourage, and work with our partners in Ukraine. And your designated funds for Ukraine ARE making a difference!
In September, Gary will again take a team of five into Ukraine to connect and work with most of the six partners we’ve been working with during this tragic time in Ukraine’s history. It will be our 3rd trip so far this year.
This is where we are working and the partners we we are working with …
LVIV
Pastors Kostya and Olga are pastors and faithful servants who we were connected with early in the war when Olga moved to Slovakia with their two kids, and Kostya stayed behind to support refugees moving to and through the city of Lviv. Fast forward to today - their whole family is living in Lviv, and we are continuing to provide humanitarian aid (food, medicine, clothes), support, and encouragement to them and the church in which they serve. This team of individuals are faithfully working to get aid where needed … both in Western Ukraine, and as far east as the front lines where fathers, sons, husbands, from their church are serving.
ZHYTOMER
Anastasiia and a group of mission school graduates are supporting and ministering to a community of families of both serving and fallen soldiers. They are providing practical aid, but also a Christian community for adults, teens, and children through bible studies, kids activities and camps, and practical help for families in need. We have been supplying humanitarian aid, and in-person encouragement for their work. We are both humbled and inspired by the sacrifice and dedication of these very young Ukrainian missionaries!
KYIV
Pastor Dmytro Mason and his team of faithful and dynamic pastors and lay leaders oversee the City of Light Foursquare Church. It is a powerful expression of the church for their community of faith, it is a refuge for internally displaced persons (IDPs - individuals within a country who are refugees due to circumstances requiring relocation), and it is a compassionate outreach expression of Christ to many parts of Ukraine (including villages at the front line). We continue to support these efforts in any way the Lord makes a way.
TAL’NE & DONESTK OBLAST
Pastor Andrej, along with lay leaders Volodymyr and Oksana, have been making weekly (and more often) humanitarian and evangelism trips to near-front-lines villages since the war began. We are supplying humanitarian aid (food, medicine, clothing, etc.), and in-person support on these trips when we are in Ukraine. These are some of the most courageous, faithful, and compassionate Jesus followers we have had the honor of partnering with. Their local churches fully support and assist in their work, and we consider it a privilege to be invited along each time we are in-country.
ONUFRIIVKA
Pastor Olexander Federov and his team of pastors and leaders oversee the Church of the Living God and the Pearl Orphanage. Their compassionate work focuses on providing a loving community of faith in their city, a safe and nurturing home for the children that are residents of The Pearl, and support and aid that refugees or the war need both locally and regionally. We are proving ongoing support and encouragement (and humanitarian aid when our itinerary includes this community) to Olexander and his team.
DNIPRO
Pastors Alla and Pavol lead a team of faithful and passionate Jesus followers who help shepherd churches in both Dnipro and in Synel'nykove. Alla and her husband, Pavol, are also both chaplains. So their work crosses many boundaries and gives them opportunity to bring the hope and love of Christ to many different cross sections of Ukrainian people. We are in the early stages of this relationship and will build upon it as our team spends a couple of days with them in September.
Time and provision does not permit us to be in each of these locations every time we are in Ukraine. But we trust the Lord to be His encouragement, His love, His compassion, and His provision where He leads us each time. Thank you for continuing to invest specifically in this work. We go and serve with this provision which is above and beyond His provision for our work in Bratislava and across Europe. We do not sense that He is asking us to reduce our workload in Ukraine, so we are trusting Him to continue providing for this ministry through the hands of so many faithful churches and individuals. Thank you for listening to Him as you give, and thank you, ,God, for every way in which you make this work possible!
Hirnyk
Situated just six miles from the war front, Hirnyk (prounounced “hearneeak” is a small town of about 11,000 people. Reminders of the nearby war are constant. Shelling from both sides rumble throughout the day and wary eyes are always scouring the skies for the possibility of drones. Earlier in the week - about 2 days before we arrived - several missiles struck a small neighborhood, killing young and old, destroying homes and lives. You would never see evidence of these events if you simply looked into the eyes and faces of the people who we met and served during our 8 hours there. For these … the only life they know must go on. So their faces reflect resilience, courage, and even in some cases … joy and hope. They are the beautiful faces of Ukraine.
People of faith, including Pastor Sergei, are determined to be the light of Jesus in midst of the darkness that is this war. Sergei actually pastors two different churches in this small town, and is planting a third in a nearby village. Yes, that’s right, I said (in the midst of a war that is just 5 miles away) he is planting a third church.
Our team had the opportunity to bring the gospel, some worship, and some boxed food and freshly baked bread to these two communities of faith and all that chose to attend and listen. And there were many. Of course there were many seeking the food they desperately needed. But they also heard about a Man who is the bread of life - and we continue to pray that He is one that they come to hunger even more.
If we can be even one’s day’s encouragement to people like Sergei, then all of the support generously given to our work, and the work done by the loving hands of our teams, have found their rightful kingdom place. There were so many grateful hearts among the people of this town. And our message to them … thank you for being an example to the world. And example of strength, courage, and love poured out to your own brothers and sisters.
We were humbled by the faith of Sergei and his family. Humbled by the Ukrainian people who stand in the face of war and insist on living their lives into freedom. Humbled by God’s provision and calling among all those who serve Ukraine and Ukrainian people - from within and from outside. He is indeed the Way Maker.
Nowhere To Go
As we drove from west to east, and got closer to the front lines of the ground war, life in “the public” became more and more scarce. Gas stations and markets were closed ... sources of fuel and food hidden and well protected.
As we arrived in the Donbas region of Ukraine, and more specifically into the village of Lyman (Google it … formerly occupied by Russian troops, now regained and held by Ukrainian troops) , two things struck me. The destruction and the desolation. But it would soon become evident that life and purpose existed among both.
Those who had already left had done so because they had the means - the provision to do so and family or others in safer locations to accept them. Many of those who remained had neither. This had been home for decades (yes, an older population), and they seemed to be staying put regardless of the risk ... regardless of which country would dictate their life and future.
We pulled into the courtyard of a group of flat (apartment) buildings. Five or six large separate buildings, all 5-6 stories high. As we exited the van, it seemed like we were the only ones there. Then an older woman came up to us and Pastor Andrej shared with her that we had food and medicine to share. Within five minutes, 30+ men and women had made their way out of what was left of their living spaces.
Some flats were intact, some were not. Those whose homes had been destroyed were living in the flat building basement spaces, or had since occupied other flats that had been abandoned. But it became shockingly evident that there was a significant population of Ukrainian men and women who were living in the wake of the war, and had nowhere to go.
Before we gave out food and medicine, Andrej and Volodymyr, the pastors from Tal’ne that we have been working with, gave out the hope of Christ with the message of the Gospel and their personal testimonies. Compassion is not empty … is not temporary … when it is accompanied by the Hope of life with Jesus. A message that was not lost on the nearly 200 men and women the Lord brought us there to serve.
Andrej asked me to share something. In the moment I thought to myself “What can I bring that would help and encourage these brave and resilient men and women?”. So I simply told the story of the son of Ukrainian immigrants, that grew up in the United States, was called by God to the country of Slovakia, and now had the honor of being His hands and feet to serve the country and people of his grandparents. It was my story. I thanked them for their courage and their example to stand up for the country they love. And I assured them that my small testimony is evidence of God's faithful presence and His love for them and for all of Ukraine.
As we left the Donbas, I couldn't help but reflect on what a privilege and honor it was ... the small part the Lord gave each of us to play … to be His love and compassion for a people and a country who needs just that.
A Little Perspective
As I (Joy) wait for Gary and the team to get back from their current trip to Ukraine, I thought I would give a little perspective on, one, what it is like to be the person waiting, praying, and trusting they will come back safely and two, what it is like having been there, met the people and experienced a bit of what takes place in Ukraine during this war.
First of all, I will write about the experience of going in to Ukraine, to Lviv and Kiev areas, which are in the more western parts of Ukraine. Although it’s quicker to go east from Bratislava to the Slovak border with Ukraine, it is not actually faster to drive the roads in Ukraine from that point. They are rough, pot-holed two lane roads for the much of the journey, and for all you Tacoma people, think of the side roads near 6th Ave, etc.…you get the picture! It is actually quicker for us to drive north through Czech Republic, then east to Poland and through the border near Krakow. So before you even get to Ukraine there is a lot of driving involved! Ukraine itself is a very large country, especially by European standards. It is about the size of Texas. All this to say, the majority of our trips into Ukraine involve lots of driving…being in the van for hours and hours, every day. Lots of stops at gas stations, which also have food and coffee. Our trips may sound romantic and exciting but really a lot of it is spent in the van!
As you are driving from the border to the countryside you notice the many brightly colored Orthodox churches dotted along the way. There are huge fields everywhere, many planted with sunflowers, and lots of homes interspersed among them. You can’t help but think to yourself, this is such a beautiful, pastoral country and it doesn’t seem like there is a war going on here. But then as you come up to a bridge, or a town, or even a forest, you see huge rusted iron bars made into “X” shapes and stacks of tires on the side and middle of the road, forcing you to slow down to wind around them. Signs are posted in Ukraine to slow down, that there is a possible roadblock and inspection up ahead. You see the soldiers in their camouflage uniforms with rifles standing near camouflaged temporary buildings. These checkpoints are all over the country, and they are the first realities you see driving into a nation that is at war.
The next reality hits you when you enter a gas station, a restaurant on the side of the highway, or entering a town. Some of the gas stations are closed because they can only be open during their scheduled time to have electricity. Same with restaurants. However other ones have generators so you hear the hum when you walk in. When you enter a town or city, it is possible that the stoplights are not working because you drove through when their electricity is turned off. The intersections are now four, and sometimes six-way stops. Imagine that during rush-hour! What really grabs your attention is how everyone has adjusted to this reality and goes about their business in spite of it. There is nothing more true about this than when the air-raid siren goes off and your heart starts racing! You look up into the sky wondering if you will be bombed, and pray it’s just a warning. Then you become aware of how Ukrainians are continuing to walk in the street, not looking up, and seem undeterred about continuing on with their day. When this happened to us in Lviv, we had just finished shopping for more aid supplies at a Metro store, kind of like a Costco. We were already in the van ready to drive to our next town. When the siren went off, which was very loud by the way, all the shoppers had to leave the store, and the store closed until they get the all clear, which could be at least an hour. It was very surreal to see everyone emptying out of the store, going to their cars to drive away or walking to the main street to go somewhere else. So we did the same, and drove on to our next destination.
We were blessed to meet with and share meals with several different Ukrainian families along the way. In every case they were very happy that we came, and let us know profusely how thankful they were. One family in particular, who were friends with another family we had met with from a small town south of Kiev, called Tarashcha, had us over for a late meal. The electricity was out that evening, so they had a fire going in the wood stove and a light powered by a car battery in the living/eating area. A table had been pushed up near the couch, so there were enough places to sit, with chairs around the rest of the table. In all, with the family including the grandmother and all of us, there were about twelve people. It was quite cozy and the table was loaded with all kinds of breads, pastries, jams and other spreads, some sausage meats, nuts, olives, and fresh squeezed juices. They obviously gave us the best of what they had, not only with the food but also with their warmth and hospitality. They wondered why we as Americans would come into a war zone, so we were able to share how we were there to serve them as the Lord asked us to. One of the most important questions they asked, was what did Americans think of Ukraine, had they forgotten them? We told them most Americans felt the war was wrong and hoped it would be over soon. That our supporters had sent us to them to give them aid and comfort. That the Lord has not forgotten them or abandoned them. We hoped this encouraged them, and that they would remain strong and hopeful.
One group of families that we shared a meal with were in a small town even further south from Tarashcha, called Tal’ne. The fathers were pastors, and a group of them took aid supplies once a week far into the east of Ukraine, near the war front. They showed us pictures of burned out tanks, bombed bridges and homes. The pastors were probably in their forties, maybe in their 50’s, and they told us they felt compelled to do this every week. You could tell how emotional they were about it. They said it is a 24 hour journey for them, and they usually take a few cars and trucks loaded with supplies. There are families, but mostly older Ukrainians who won’t leave their homes and farms in these areas. Their access to food and other necessary items are limited, so the men bring what they need, minister the gospel and pray with them. Another group they reach out to are soldiers. They talked about one young soldier who didn’t want to have anything to do with them when they spoke to him about God at the beginning of the war, but when they saw him on a recent visit, he sat down with them and asked for prayer. As the pastors continued telling their stories, one of them asked Gary if he would like to go with them next time he came to see them. I must be honest with you all, I did not appreciate them asking him that because I knew he would love to go. My husband is one of the most adventurous, brave men I know, and I at that moment I was not happy about it! Well, fast forward to this past week, and the only thing that changed about that next trip was my perspective…and attitude.
Which brings me to the second part of this particular blog. What it’s like to be the people who stay behind and pray…trusting in the Lord that He will bring our loved ones home safely. Because I’ve been to Ukraine, it definitely helps to keep track of where they are so I can visualize it, know who they are meeting with and all of that. But one thing I counted on to not happen was a trip into the east of the country. They had all their time scheduled with meetings, aid drop offs, preaching at a church in Lviv, and a youth meeting in Tarashcha. I felt, from my perspective, that it was all fairly safe. I could handle being by myself for a week, meeting with our church women’s group, Sunday service, writing this blog…until Gary texted me that the youth group was cancelled and they had time to do the 24 hour drive to a few cities just south of Kharkiv, about 12 miles from the front lines. This was not what I was prepared for, and from my perspective it was not a good idea. I knew it would be exhausting, driving 24 hours after already driving tons every day. I didn’t want him going for numerous reasons, and I kept asking him all kinds of “what about” questions. It took a couple of days of stressing, worrying, not sleeping well, and finally actually going to the Lord about it before my perspective changed. I read the word and somehow whatever I read just brought me peace. No real explanation, I’ve even forgotten what passage it was, but it cleared my mind and gave me what I needed to say yes to the trip. Suffice it to say everything went well, in fact the team is now in Poland as I write this. The next blog you read will be Gary’s version. I’m sure it will have great perspective and adventure. Thank you for your prayers, you never know how God will use them!
POWER SHIFTING FROM COLD WAR TO UKRAINE WAR
We are continually amazed at the creativity of those working to aid the nation and people of Ukraine. In the wake of many attacks on the power infrastructure, many businesses and facilities have partial or no power throughout much of the day. Businesses that can afford generators are sourcing them wherever they can.
One such example of this creativity is a team of individuals with the ACS Church here in Slovakia sourcing generators for orphanages and senior care centers. But these not your usual, 1500-5000 watt roll-around gasoline (or diesel) generators (though those are useful and being used as well).
No … in this case they are sourcing generators large enough (10-50 kVA) to power the whole facility. And where are they finding (and able to afford) these large generators? In former cold war bunkers in the Czech Republic. Yes … bunkers that were designed, built, and outfitted with these large generators for the cold war.
And these generators which have sat (and not run) for years, and being re-started, checked out, purchased, and shipped into Ukraine to provide heat and light in large facilities housing children and seniors. God is so creative, and that creativity is helping some of the neediest in a country desperate for resources right now.
THANK YOU THAT YOU DIDN'T FORGET UKRAINE
Those were the first words of our friend Kostya when we arrived in Lviv. Of course they were grateful for the 3/4 ton of aid (food, warm blankets, warm food) that we delivered as well, but the most important source of strength and encouragement for them was our presence. The importance of standing with the Ukrainian people in their time of greatest need cannot be overstated.
Our four-person City Church team traveled, once again, to Tarashcha. And also to Lviv and Kyiv. In addition to delivering aid, we needed to assess ongoing needs in each area and affirm our support of the work our partners are doing. The Lord also created opportunities for us to develop new relationships which, we hope, will open additional paths of aid.
Traveling in a large Citroen Jumper van, we had room for four adults and all of the aid purchased in Slovakia. The first load was delivered to our partners in Lviv where we spent the first night. Planning to re-fill the van in Lviv before the day-long trip to Tarashcha, we were delayed by a 2-hour air-raid delay around 8:00 the next morning. Then, with an emergency stop at a dentist for one of our team members (all good after and hour of work and a mere €10 invoice), and a 1-hour shopping trip at the Lviv Metro (think Ukrainian Costco), we were on our way with an additional 3/4 ton of food and warm clothes for Tarashcha.
Again we were welcomed with thank-you’s for coming in person … for not forgetting … for sharing the burden of the Ukrainian people. What an honor and privilege to be the Lord’s hands and feet in such a small way when measured in volume or weight or cost of aid, but such a large way when measured in kingdom currency and spiritual significance.
It is hard to put into words the feeling of constant vigilance that influences the atmosphere of this war-torn country. But with defiance to those who seek to harm, and resilience in keeping the economy, hope, and faith alive, the Ukrainian people will not be shaken. And it is our privilege to stand with them and for them in any way we can.
Thank you for continuing to stand with us as we say yes to every invitation from the Lord to help in Ukraine, and to help the refugees of Ukraine who now live in Slovakia. We would echo the words of Kostya … “Thank you for not forgetting Gary & Joy, and thank you for not forgetting Ukraine!”
Pictures, Or It Didn’t Happen
Have you heard that phrase? As ministers of God’s love and compassion in a very difficult situation, we struggle with the tension between communicating well all that we are doing, and protecting the dignity, privacy (and even security) of those the Lord invites us to help.
There are pictures, of course. And we are asked to provide what we can to tell the story. But we will always fall on the side of letting our actions (not our photos) speak for the work that the Lord has invited us to join Him in - both in Slovakia and in Ukraine. Thank you for trusting us in that - with or without pictures.
Often we feel a hesitancy even to ask for a photo - of co-laborers, of those we are helping or their families, homes, etc. We share what we feel is acceptable - both to those in the pictures and to the Lord.
Thank you for the trust you place in us when you send support to be love and compassion to the people of Ukraine. They are an incredibly strong and resilient people … and the first in line to help their own people. We stand with them and stand for them, with your help. Thank you and God bless you!
Our next planned trip to Tarashcha will take place the week of October 17th. We want to further assess the current and ongoing needs, assisting those directly responsible for aid distribution in this small town. Thank you for standing with us in prayer for wise discernment on how to continue to help.
We work, now, to quicken and increase the amount of food (and warm clothes) aid moving into Ukraine. The winter is coming and those currently without it will be incredibly blessed by the food and warmth provided by God through your support and our hands. Thank you!
Aid Channels Continuing and Growing
Thank you for continually and faithfully giving and praying for aid to reach those in need … both here in Slovakia and in Ukraine. The war continues, and so does the need for help by so many.
We dropped off another large load of food at the Alzbety aid bank here in Bratislava this week. And it could not have come at a more God-appointed time. As we backed the van into the driveway, there were maybe 30 Ukrainian refugees (individuals and families) waiting their turn to enter the “store” to get needed food, hygiene products, and clothes. When we walked up the stairs and into the room where all the food and other aid is kept, we were surprised to see many empty shelves. Not unusual at the end of the day, but it was 10:00 in the morning. A picture of either increasing demand, waning support, or both. But also confirmation that God’s leading and God’s timing can always be trusted and is always perfect as this was the day He allowed us to be there to help. It was really a prompting, also, to find ways to increase the frequency of our purchases and deliveries.
Our late August / early September trip to Tarascha had to be postponed. It is challenging to find people who are both willing and have the time to travel deep into Ukraine right now. But we are firm on our conviction to take a driver “team” on our aid delivery trips as they involve many hours on the road in unknown conditions. We are also setting aside time in this trip to be in the Tarashcha for at least a day - to assist Sergei and Olya in some of their deliveries, to minister to those in need, and to better assess ways of helping them on an ongoing basis.
It looks like we have a breakthrough in the channel of aid we have been working on that will bring a full container of food from the United States. This first container has arrived in port and will be shipped to the east of Slovakia where our ACS team member, Jaro, will both receive and prepare it for transportation into Ukraine. Our partners in Lviv and Kiev are ready to both receive containers and then distribute their contents locally (for IDPs - internally displaced persons … refugees from other parts of Ukraine), and further into war-torn portions of the east. Pray for the arrival of this first container, and for a complication-free transit of the container (and it’s contents) to their final destinations. Our prayer is that this will be the first of many (at least a monthly) shipments of food in container-size loads.
Pray also that transit times decrease in this very critical time of the year. We are trying to get ahead of weather that is colder and can make transportation more difficult. We want food supplies remain strong throughout the winter. God hears and answers our prayers - thank you for standing and praying with us!
Sounds of War
Because of a late start, we drove only as far as Rzeszów, Poland on day 1 of our trip to deliver aid to Tarashcha. So we were anxious to get an early start facing two border checks (Poland & Ukraine), and a long distance yet to our destination (just south of Kyiv) on day 2.
The GPS gave us a southern route, so with Ternopil on our route, we chose to pull in here to fill up with diesel and grab a bite to eat . We first heard it when we exited the van - the air raid siren. It went on for 1-2 minutes as I looked around to see how the “locals” were responding to the warning. They weren’t.
It might have well have been a loud car stereo or the jackhammer from a construction site - virtually nobody changed their behavior because of this (to me) very new and very alarming sound.
Victor was his name - in line at the gas station behind my friend Milan. And as Milan ordered some food, Victor took note of his accent and our speaking English, and came up to chat with us after he had paid. His English was excellent having lived in the UK for 20 years. Victor explained that he is a member of the Ukrainian army. He was on leave in Ternopil for a few days, having just come back from the front lines in the east, but he was still in uniform.. He, like many other Ukrainians, returned this year to help defend his country.
When asked why nobody reacts to the air raid sirens, Victor explained that Ukrainian air defenses don’t necessarily know where a missile is headed when it is first launched. So most large cities are notified and use this warning until more data is issued. Many times the missiles are shot down. On this day, two missiles struck the area of Zaporizhzhia.
Because of bad roads, we chose to take a more northerly route back on day 3 - our longest day (22 hours). We heard air raid sirens along the way on this day too. And it wasn’t long after that we found out missiles had struck Vinnytsia. No words … no reason … senseless … heartbreaking and tragic.
Our Ukrainian team member (Nastiia) asked me if it felt like this country was at war. And despite the experience with the sirens, I said “no”. That I felt no fear … a strength … a resolve … and peace in Ukraine. She agreed. Nastiia is one of the millions who are just that.
Air raid sirens and missile strikes 70 miles south of our day 3 route. And yet we were all at peace, knowing God is good … and was surely watching over us.
Please remember Victor (and Nastiia’s family who work to distribute the aid we delivered) in your prayers. Ukrainian strong.
A Ride and a Prayer
We continue to use the resources people are giving us to help meet the needs of Ukrainian refugees both here in Slovakia and those who have fled to western Ukraine from the fighting in the east and southern parts of the country. We have also had a very busy season with the other ministries we are involved in here. It is a balancing act, and we are trying to find healthy ways to handle everything. Thank you for your patience with us and for continuing to pray for us, for Ukraine and for the war to end.
Next week Gary is planning on driving to Kiev to bring aid to a church community that has ties to our Slovak church here. City Church Bratislava has hired Nastiia, a Ukrainian who has lived in Bratislava for a few years and attends CCB, to run the Ukrainian Refugee House near us, full time. Nastiia will also ride with Gary (and one or two othrs) to Kiev to help with translation and because her family is part of the church community there. Please pray everything goes well and they are able to make the trip, that the Lord will protect them and the bombing raids in Kiev will stop, not only for them but for all those living there.
I (Joy), was asked by Nastiia a few weeks ago to drive six Ukrainians from the Refugee House to a large grocery store called Kaufland to stock up on needed supplies. Nastiia came as well to help guide them and translate. The women had not been going to the grocery store here, so everything was new to them. I could relate to their feelings of being overwhelmed as they walked in and literally stopped after the first aisle to try to take it all in. I remember feeling a bit confused and out of my element when I first entered the store a little over 3 years ago. There are different products from what you are used to, everything is in Slovak, the location of things don’t make sense. It is a lot to take in, but when you have also been traumatized by war, it is even more difficult to sort out your feelings. As they slowly made their way through the store, stocking up on things like laundry soap and flour, coffee and cleaning supplies, I was asked for help finding a few things, but mostly they worked together to make sure they got everything they needed. Overcoming the struggle together was good for them and for their community life in the Refugee House.
When I dropped the ladies off at the house after their shopping was completed, one of the women was obviously emotional. Everyone was thankful for the ride and help at the store, but she was particularly grateful, and did her best to thank me in English several times. As she said her thanks to me, tears welled up in her eyes and she began to cry. I walked over to her and asked if I could pray for her. Someone else explained my request, so she nodded and bowed her head. I took her hand and began to pray for the peace of God to fill her heart and mind, for her to be able to sleep peacefully, and for the presence of the Holy Spirit to calm and console her. Even though she didn’t understand what I said with her mind, the Lord was speaking to her and giving her what she needed, as He had directed my prayer. Nothing is a barrier to Him. Pray for us to always do our best to be a blessing even when it is as simple as a ride and a prayer.
Alžbety Aid Bank
Though the flow of refugees out of Ukraine into Slovakia has slowed, it remains steady. The English-language news service Slovak Spectator reported on June 1st that a total of 477,000 had crossed since the beginning of the war, and that currently, that number is increasing by up to 2,000 daily.
Some are staying in the east of Slovakia. Some are continuing on to other EU countries. And many come to Bratislava seeking housing, food, and jobs. The Slovak government is helping in many ways, but there are still many needs. The HP House, managed by a group of Ukrainian young adults and aided in many ways by our ACS congregations, continues to house up to 30 refugees at a time. We anticipate the home to be in operation for many months, and we will support them for the duration.
Most refugees do not have much in the way of means to buy food and clothes until they have secured work in their adopted nation. The Slovak government is helping with monthly stipends. But the amounts are small, so many organizations and individuals are standing in in the gap to help.
The Alžbety Aid Bank is one such organization. Run by Ukrainian volunteers, with space provided by Alžbety University, they are helping meet these needs. And with your loving support of our work specific to Ukraine, we are assisting by purchasing and providing aid - food, diapers, baby food & formula, shoes & clothing, and personal care and hygiene products. Every item makes this “pop up” store a critical lifeline for refugees needing help until they secure work locally or return to Ukraine as many are now doing.
Continue to join us in prayer for every aid lifeline - both the ones we are assisting here in Bratislava and those we are working with to meet the needs in western Ukraine. There are now more than 3 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who have joined residents already living in western cities like Lviv and Uzhorrod. But the response is an incredible testimony to God’s compassion. Ukraine helping their own refugees … Slovaks and other European nations helping refugees … the world helping refugees. Your support is truly helping meet needs on both fronts. Thank you for continuing to help us help them!
0 for 3
The number of refugees leaving Ukraine has slowed considerably. On this particular trip, only three persons signed up to join us in the journey back to Slovakia.
Jaro was noticeably concerned when the father and two boys (8 & 10) boarded our bus in Lviv. The mother was there, but told us that she still had obligations in Ukraine and would join the rest of her family in Slovakia soon. In more normal times, this would not be such an unusual arrangement. But these, of course, are not normal times.
The concern, primarily, was whether the father had the proper documentation to cross the border with his sons. Men, between the ages of 18 and 65, unless medically excused, are required to remain in Ukraine to be a resource in fighting the war or to support those who are. The dad assured us that he had everything he needed.
The journey from Lviv to Uzhhorod is about 5 hours by bus. And most of this journey was uneventful. It was a quiet trip with just a few on board - our team members along with the dad and two boys. The young boys were as normal as boys could be. With the run of almost the whole bus and some games on dad’s phone, there will much to keep them busy and even full of laughter from time to time on a long bus ride. It was surreal as I thought about their life and circumstances. But also so pure and innocent - and a blessing - that somehow they could be insulated (if even for a few hours) from the realities of their family and country.
We still had one stop to make before crossing the border - the delivery of the last 1.5 tons of aid on board for a church in Uzhhorod. Or so we thought. The unexpected stop came about 1 hour outside of Uzhhorod at a police checkpoint along the highway. When I inquired with Jaro as to its purpose, he said they were checking for men trying to leave the country. So with concern for the dad on board, I was paying close attention. The police came on board and checked everyone’s passports. The conversation with the Ukrainian dad, however, took much longer. But when they exited the bus, allowing all on board to continue, I felt reassured that the dad did indeed have what he would need to leave Ukraine when we reached the border.
Casually, I made a comment to Jaro - “I guess he does have all the proper documentation then.” I could see it in his face when he turned to answer … “The dad told the policemen he was not leaving the country.” Cue sunken heart and a higher level of focused prayer at this point.
The stop in Uzhhorod was a blessing and productive. The church there is renting one floor of a flat building in the center of the city to feed and house refugees migrating from the east. It was so good to see the 1.5 tons of aid we had delivered be warmly and thankfully received. God is rallying so many to show His love and compassion to those who need it. We departed the church … stopped for a very quick bite to eat at a gas station “deli” … and prepared for the final leg back to Presov.
Thinking the border wait at Slovakia (vs. Poland) might be shorter, we were disappointed when were told (as our bus joined behind others already in line) that the processing time would be 4-5 hours. Hmmm … time for some sleep. I awoke at about 3:00 a.m. as the bus left its last waiting spot and pulled into the immigration processing area - still on the Ukraine side of the border. Time to hand over the passports again.
The young Ukrainian immigration officer took all of ours without comment, but he paused to make a comment and ask a question of the dad. They were speaking either Russian or Ukrainian, so I didn’t now what was being said. But the short conversation turned into a longer one as the dad started producing additional documentation from his bag. Documentation that was clearly not satisfying the requirements of young immigration officer.
He exited the bus to confer with others, calling over what appeared to be a “supervisor”. They too were not convinced by the several pages of documentation that accompanied this man’s passport. And without hesitation, but also without argument or debate, they made a final decision and asked the dad to exit the bus, bringing his baggage and two sons with him. 3:00 a.m … now 5 hours from their departure point … the discussion was over and our three passengers were staying in Ukraine.
I’m so thankful for people who consider the “what if” scenarios and at least have some substance of “a backup plan” in place. Jaro, in his wisdom, had connected the dad to one of the pastors when we were at the church in Uzhhorod. Suspecting this may happen, the dad and boys would at least have someone to help and look after them until they could find their way back to Lviv. An eventual reunion, I guess, and a new discussion about what the life of this family will look like from here on out.
Every refugee story is unique, and yet too numerous to know individually. I often feel helpless in the midst of the ones I have known. And yet, God is working through other helpers as well - also too numerous to know individually - to care for an guide each refugee. He was there before our lives intersected and He will be there AFTER. Thank you, Lord, that I’m not the ONLY element of your love and compassion poured out to Ukraine and its refugees, but thank you (also) that I am ONE of them.
To Lviv with Aid & Encourament
I (Gary) am traveling into Ukraine whenever the ACS Presov team can use an extra hand. Each trip is designed to take advantage of the best border crossing situations both in and out. This time our journey took us north to Poland first, then east to Lviv, south to Uzhorrod, and finally west back into Slovakia. Round trip from Presov was 30 hours, and the journey from (and back to) Bratislava added about 4 hours on each end.
Delivering 6 tons of aid to four different churches in Lviv and Uzhorrod was the primary objective. The demand for aid is growing as the distribution networks grow and become more effective in getting this aid where it is needed most. Because of your faithful giving, we are able to continue to help fill these channels of aid into Ukraine. This trip we purchased a portion of the aid, along with most of the fuel (gasoline & diesel) that we got near the border in Poland and then transferred at our first stop (church) in Lviv. The church is providing this fuel to individuals who are distributing the aid both locally (in western Ukraine), and to cities and villages further east. Every need and “car” of the compassion train is being thought of.
One of my biggest objectives was to connect with one of the faithful pastors - Kostya - who has been serving refugees in the heart of Lviv almost since the war began. A city with a population of about 750,000 before the war, Lviv has swelled to over 1 million as it hosts those seeking safety from the war in the east. Kostya, himself, is one such refugee having pastored a church with his wife in a village closer to Odessa until they had to leave their home. We are now supplying aid to Kostya and the small group of pastors he is serving with in Lviv as they meet the needs both locally and in surrounding villages.
Kostya’s wife and their two teenage kids are also refugees, but living here in Slovakia. She is serving in a hotel that is housing Ukrainian refugees, giving pastoral care and helping them (mostly women) prepare for and find work locally. And in a “portion of the normal” blessing, the kids - largely because of the learning platforms that were forced through the pandemic - are still attending Ukrainian schools online. It is both humbling, and an incredible privilege to witness the strength, resolve, and compassion of the Ukrainian people in the midst of their own horrific situation.
So it was important for me to connect with, pray for, and encourage Kostya, personally. He met us at our first stop - assisting us with the unloading of 1.5 tons of aid there. And then faithfully joined us as we unloaded about 1.5 tons of aid at two additional churches in Lviv. I will be sharing some of the audio and video of the conversations I had with this incredible man of faith. He and his wife are pastors without the flock that they knew so well, but both whom have now adopted flocks where God has placed them.
Thank you for praying for every way in which God is giving you (and us) an opportunity to be His love and compassion in this incredibly difficult situation. Know that we are not doing this alone - the Lord has aligned many faithful servants that are making it possible for this love and compassion to be seen and felt by so many who need it!
Northwest Hands & Feet
Our friends and supporters, Dan and Rosanne Thompson, were here to visit and serve with us. To be with us in person for a week, pray with us, and help us in any way we needed. They have ministered for over 30 years in various short-term medical mission trips in many countries around the world. Dan is a medical doctor and Rosanne a Nurse Practitioner, and both have a huge heart for ministering in prayer as well. And while this wasn’t a typical short-term mission trip for them, it was a very important and timely one for all of us.
We gave them one day of “transition” after their long flight, but still took that first day to show them around Bratislava and let them experience our normal routine of grocery shopping, taking public transportation, and seeing how we manage with a very different language and culture. The next day we jumped right into helping with ministry to Ukraine. Trips to Ikea to pick up mattresses, blankets, towels. A Metro (think Costco) run for Dan & Gary for food aid. Same for Joy and Rosanne at Tesco to find personal hygiene and clothing items. All items on the list for our pastor friend Kostya and his group of pastors to distribute to others serving in Lviv.
These items were consolidated at the house (Sreznevskeho) where City Church International meets, and City Church Bratislava (Slovak-language church) has their offices. The aid gathered, from each City Church congregation, was then packed into boxes for delivery to our ACS Presov team, who would take it into Ukraine. Rolling up our sleeves, Dan, Rosanne, Gary and Joy boxed it all up and loaded it into the large City Church van. The next day the four of us made the 5-hour drive east across Slovakia to the city of Presov. We were so glad Dan and Rosanne were able to go with and help. But also to see how beautiful this country is with its gently rolling hills, many villages, towns and cities, castles, and incredible mountains. We stayed overnight in Presov and had breakfast the next morning with Jaro and his wife, Tana. If you recall, Jaro is the one who is driving weekly, the large bus being used to deliver the aid being purchased and collected in Slovakia, and delivered into Ukraine. Jaro is the one that Gary accompanied in March, and will continue to accompany when he needs help.
It was a blessing to spend time with both Jaro and Tana, and to see how passionate they are about doing what they can to help Ukrainians. After breakfast we took the van to where Jaro keeps the bus, and transfered all of the aid we brought along. This trip included a large new generator for a church that is still meeting in Ukraine, picked up on a delightful detour we made to a village on the drive over the day before. All of this … added to the other aid Jaro had purchased or received from other sources - was scheduled to be taken into Lviv two days later.
What a a blessing to have Dan and Rosanne here! We had such a great visit, and were so encouraged by their willingness to come and support us. They ministered to us, helped us in so many ways, and also ministered to everyone they met along the way. God likewise blessed them by connecting them, if only for a moment, with so many of the amazing people we have met here as well. God loves to bless us through the love we show to one another.
Channels of Aid
Every channel of aid into Ukraine is critical. So, establishing aid channels and keeping them open is near the top of the prayer request list right now. And though the west of Ukraine has largely been safe, today we are hearing of the war coming there, in new ways, as well.
We are so thankful for the three channels we have that seem to be holding. And we thank the Lord that these are not the only ones. There are hundreds of people dedicating their time and resources to getting aid into the country. Please keep all of us, and each aid channel in your prayers.
We are using the support funds you are sending to help supply aid for all three of the following channels:
(1) The young Ukrainians managing the HP house. They have been driving aid, in a large van, to connections in the west of Ukraine,. They just picked up the load of mostly food and child aid (diapers, baby food, etc.) yesterday that we collected and purchased this week.
- About 2 tons of food aid per trip.
(2) Our connection at the ACS Church in Presov. This is the channel that Roman and I assisted with week before last - taking 4-6 tons of aid in / 40-50 passengers (refugees) out. Our contact is making 1-3 trips per week with aid drops in Uzhhorod and Lviv, and then making passenger (refugee) pickups for final destinations in Poland and Slovakia.
- About 4-6 tons of food/medical aid and 40-50 refugees per trip.
(3) W are also working with the humanitarian organization Integra, here in Slovakia. They delivered their first truckload (lorry) into western Ukraine last week, and hope to repeat this (with enough funding) once per week. We are coordinating with missionaries in Austria and Poland who have connections they believe can get us medical aid (a priority for the Integra channel), either from Austria or from sources in the United States.
- About 10-20 tons per trip.
Each of the above channels have connections in the west of Ukraine that then distribute the food and other aid east. These trips further east are critical, but very risky. Please pray over those who are distributing further, all that we can supply.
Thank you for your continued financial support. We are grateful to be able to be your hands and feet extended to Slovakia and to Ukraine for those in desperate need. Thank you for standing with us and standing for us!
1000 Welcome Packs
The Slovak church we work closely with, City Church Bratislava, in cooperation with another church in the city of Nitra and with Slovak government aid agencies has assembled welcome packs for refugees arriving from Ukraine at the Slovak border. They asked if we could help contribute funding for some of the resources, so we were able to do this immediately with the support you have given. These bags have specific items that will help the refugees as they enter Slovakia including hygiene products, water bottles, snack bars, basic medicine and the most important item, a card with information in Ukrainian, Russian and English they will need along with a QR code that takes them to a website that informs them about human trafficking and how to avoid it. This has become a problem along all borders with Ukraine so everyone is trying to alert and help the refugees to be protected from this evil. We are hoping we can assemble more of these bags in the future. Thank you so very much for your support of this very important and compassionate work.
Bratislava to Lviv and Back
Roman (a friend from our City Church International - CCI - leadership team) and I (Gary) were able to help deliver aid into, and refugees out of, Ukraine this week. There are so many “stories within the story” within this 72-hour period, so I will unpack those and give access (via links) to some of those in the coming days. For now, I will share this overview - a bit long as it is - praying that you will be blessed and see God’s (and your) hands in all of it.
First, please know how thankful we are for the support you are sending to make this possible. Your funding was used to purchase food, medicine, hygiene supplies, mattresses, and fuel. You are purchasing real help to assist in so many ways … both here in Bratislava and in Ukraine.
Being part of the network of ACS (Apostolic Church of Slovakia) churches, CCI is connected to people and congregations all across Slovakia. Jaro (pronounced “Yaro”) is one such person. An incredible husband, businessman, father, and servant leader, Jaro is making regular trips into Ukraine to deliver aid, and returning to Slovakia (sometimes through Slovakia, sometimes through Poland) with refugees seeking safety from the war. He is making some of these trips alone, so Roman and I were thankful to be able to go along and help load/unload the 4 tons of aid and to assist in every aspect of the trip. The bus that Jaro is using was loaned to him by a member of another church here in Bratislava. God’s network is incredible!
Much of the aid was brought to Slovakia by vans driven all the way from Italy - wow! The balance was collected here in Bratislava by the three City Church congregations (Bratislava, Pezinok, and International), and by a family in Trnava (another one of those amazing and heartbreaking stories). Roman and I delivered the City Church and Tranava portions (and 50 mattresses) using a City Church van packed from front to back and floor to ceiling.
We drove the van over to Presov the night before (Monday), arriving around 8:30 p.m. Into bed at 10:30 with a 2:30 wake-up call and a 3:00 departure. The trip from Presov to Lviv and back to Presov was a 28-hour trip, returning at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
Our first stop was at 4:30 in Sobrance (where the bus was parked) to transfer the aid from the van to the bus. After a quick stop to buy/fill gasoline containers, and then navigate the Slovak/Ukraine border (customs and immigration on both sides) we arrived in Uzhhorod at 7:30 (8:30 am Ukraine time being 1 time zone later than Central Europe). This is where the 50 mattresses were delivered - to be distributed locally to families who are hosting refugees that are evacuating active war zones and moving further west. With help from 4 guys and one determined 10-year old, the 50 mattresses were out and safely stored in less than 10 minutes!
Uzhhorod to Lviv was the longest driving part of the trip. 4.5 hours through the scenic western Ukrainian Carpathian mountains, with arrival in Lviv at 13:00. Our first stop was a warehouse where some of the aid would be stored and readied for transfer to points east, and some would be immediately loaded into cars taking it directly to those (the Trnava connection) assisting refugees at the central Lviv train station.
The warehouse was staffed with 20+ guys - most having moved from active war zones themselves, and now assisting with any efforts to help this war-torn country. The 4 tons of aid were offloaded in less than 30 minutes - quick work with many hands! Others were transferring the gasoline we brought into other containers so that ours would be empty for the next trip across. And not wanting to waste any opportunity, Jaro had phoned ahead and these guys were ready to now siphon 200 liters of diesel out of the bus - also to provide fuel for others to transport the aid further east. Total time at Lviv stop #1 - 75 minutes.
With an empty bus, we headed to central Lviv to make stops at two different churches, picking up a total of 48 passengers. These two stops, including enjoying a bowl of soup and some bread served to us by one of the churches, took a total of 2 hours. An incredible network of connection and organization to get these people to the church and onto our bus. But incredibly heartbreaking stories as well. We cannot imagine the heart-wrenching thoughts leading one to make the decision leave family behind under these circumstances. More on this later.
Departure from Lviv was at 16:00 with arrival at the Ukraine-Poland border crossing at Krakovice at 17:30. And thus began the long wait. 10 hours of waiting and processing - out of Ukraine and into Poland. The bus drove through the last gate at the Polish border crossing and into Poland at 3:30 on Wednesday.
We arrived that the central train station in Rzeszow, Poland, in 1.5 hours at 4:00 a.m (back in Central Europe time zone now). There were plenty of people there to assist. Local police and volunteers making sure everyone knew where they were going and what resources were available to them. Some of the refugees already had people meeting them to transport them to either short-term or long-term housing locally. Some were entering the station to wait for the next train that would take them further west in Poland or to other European countries. One mom and child stayed with us for the journey back to Presov - Jaro would see that she found a place to stay after we arrived.
We departed Rzeszow, Poland at 4:15 with a 2:45 minute drive ahead of us back to Prezov, Slovakia. And my main job … keep Jaro awake! Up for 24+ hours with only a handful of 20-minute naps, I wasn’t sure I was up to the task. But God … kept us awake, and Jaro alert and on the road … and got us safely back to Presov at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
Roman I crashed at Jaro’s house for a 3-hour nap and were back in Bratislava before dinner on Wednesday. It was good to be home … but I know the Lord has opened this door so that I may help in this way again. May He make it so … for me and for many others.
They Made It and A Retreat Center
A couple days ago we wrote about the journey our friend’s mom and her siblings were taking from the east of Ukraine through hopefully safe corridors to the border with Slovakia. The Lord kept them safe and they are now in Bratislava reunited with V and D! We are so very thankful! We have found what we hope is a suitable apartment for them, but for the first few days they just want to stay with V and D in their small place, to feel safe with them and rest. We can’t imagine the traumatic things they have witnessed in the past two weeks, but we are praying the Lord heals their hearts and minds. We are praying for all the refugees and those who are staying in Ukraine, to be able to heal from the emotional wounds and trauma this war has wrought. Tomorrow we will purchase grocery gift cards for these dear ones and see what else they might need.
Gary was able to contact a man we had met back in 2019, who runs a Christian Retreat Center about 45 minutes east of Bratislava. Gary asked if he could come visit Peter to discuss the possibility of using the center for temporary housing for refugees who just need a few days to a weeks rest, and then will move to a different country or find a place somewhere else in Slovakia. Today he went there and was able to survey the rooms and the eating hall where the kitchen is. There may be a need, if enough refugees use the place, to hire a cook. The Lord can make a way, and if He desires to use this place for refugees it will happen. But as always there are many different complexities of working things like this out because of language barriers and many other issues. We have learned to be more patient and work within the systems set up here in Slovakia. We are blessed to be here and to be able to help with the resources all our donors, churches and Foursquare Disaster Relief have been providing us. Thank You!!
Family From Kharkiv & Sumy
We have a dear young couple in our City Church International congregation here in Bratislava. (“V” & “D” … with 1-year old son “A”) They live and work here, but have family (moms & dads, and siblings) in Ukraine - in both Kharkiv and Sumy. If you’re been following developments, then you know that both of these cities are areas of intense fighting and extreme risk right now.
For the most part, these family members were determined to stay, though Sunday we were informed that V’s mom had decided to leave and come to Bratislava. The trek is long as most refugees are avoiding main roads in favor of the safer (but much slower and longer) backroads through small villages. V’s mom can only manage, by car, about 300 km (180 miles) per day.
We learned that much of D’s family made the decision to evacuate also as some safe transit corridors were established. They too will find slow and dangerous travel, especially until they are well clear of the active war areas. Winter is still present in Europe and there are many unknowns. The marathon they face at the border is daunting enough. Thousands of refugees. all seeking safety and in foreign countries.
First and foremost we are praying for V&D’s family members’ safety - protection from dangers of war and safety for their travel. That the Lord would cover every detail and provide all that they need … food, water, fuel, shelter (if needed). We are working to find places for them to stay, and will do everything we can to help when they arrive.
V&D&A are our family … so this hits really close to home. Please pray for wisdom and favor in finding and providing all that this displaced family needs to have some sense of peace and comfort here. What a privilege to serve with the Lord’s love and compassion in this way. We will keep you posted.
Our Angel in the East
Our friend Slavka (pronounced “Slauka”) was a faithful member of Bratislava International Fellowship, even before we arrived in Slovakia. Like many professionals here, her work moved home when the pandemic came. After over a year of working from home, she chose to move back to her home town in the very east of Slovakia and work from there. We were sad to see her go, and we still miss her heart and her face every Sunday, but we understood the move when it happened, and understand even more now that the refugee crisis has come to the border (and interior) of Slovakia.
When we started being contacted for help by people moving to and through the Slovak border crossings, Slavka was the first person we thought of. Our thought was that even if not able to help herself, we believed she would be able to connect us to people who could. Help with picking people up at the border, finding short term housing at the border, providing clothes or food … whatever the need.
Well … Slavka has become our “Angel in the East”., taking matters into her own hands and running with every request until the needs are met. Who would have ever foreseen this bridge to the east forming and becoming a key element of our response to “at or near the the border” needs, when Slavka sensed the Lord moving her back to her hometown last year. Wow … God is good!
She shared the following testimony with us, and has given us permission to share it with you :
”Also, one more thing that i want to share with you both- in fact, its a testimony. Yesterday evening I prayed to the Lord asking for direction, cos we've got a lot going on here, many collections and a lot of people involved so I asked Lord which way to go and I asked Him to open the door for me so I can be of help/be at the right place in the midst of all the activity, and guess what happened? I received your message today and I feel so encouraged how Lord hears and answers our prayers that I need to share this with you. ❤ Lord is good and His will be done. And i want to encourage you that He is greatly using you for His glory as you both are His chosen vessels. Thank you for your obedience to His voice. May He continue to bless you.”