1. To contribute to the humanitarian relief efforts supporting the refugees fleeing the war
2. To cooperate with, help schools and encourage the teachers in Ukraine
3. To deepen our cooperation and relationships with Romanian evangelical churches in Ukraine
We praise the Lord for His protection over our trip. We had some challenges, but He was faithful in guiding and using us, according to His purposes.
First, we delivered about 1.5 tons of food, medicines, Christian books and hygiene products in Chernivtsi. They will be distributed in packages to families of refugees. Some of them will also be transported to cities near the war areas, where needs are greater. While we were unpacking, we heard the air raid sirens in the city. The Ukrainians told us a rocket was launched by the Russians. Because they do not know where the rocket will hit, sirens in several cities are ringing. That rocket did not hit Chernivtsi while we were there, but I realized how frightening it can be to live under a continuous threat like this.
Then we drove to the north of Ukraine, near Ternopil. The teachers had asked us to bring printing paper, coloured cardboards, crayons, pens, whiteboards, but also food, vitamins, paracetamol or sanitizers.
We met with Svitlana (the School Principal) and the English teacher. They shared with us how the war affected their lives and school. They received almost 80 new refugee students since the war started. At the entrance of the school, they placed a board with the names of all the cities the refugees came from.
Then they showed us a basement which is going to be transformed into a bomb shelter (we offered them mattresses, pillows, blankets). Also, the kitchen was used for sewing clothing material for the army.
Svitlana is a devoted Christian. We were able to give them Bibles for kids and other Christian materials.
While driving through the country, we encountered several military checkpoints. I did not know until recently that most of Ukraine is a flat area. This is why Ukraine is a very important global exporter of wheat. The price of food is increasing globally, one reason being the war (Russians are burning the fields and have also occupied the Ukrainian sea ports).
While in Ukraine, we cooperated closely with representatives of the ethnic Romanian local churches. On Sunday, we visited a Baptist church, where I preached a message from the Word of God.
Overall, it was a fruitful time. We were able to help many people who are currently in need, we extended our involvement with several schools and we showed God’s love to people facing life and death circumstances.
Thank you very much for your prayers and support. We plan to go again to Ukraine in September or October, depending on the funds that will be available. A project like this involving two minibuses (products, gasoline, housing, food) costs around $10,000.
Grateful for your love.
Florin and Dana