Direct distributions, which we usually hold in frontline towns and villages, continue to be our main outreach to the Ukrainian people. Going into these places with products they need, gives us an opportunity to preach the Gospel and minister to the locals. We try to stay sensitive to what the main needs are and provide them with that. On the eastern front, most people are now well supplied with food, but struggle to get access to hygiene/sanitary products and medicine. Fresh bread is always hugely appreciated and continues to be a favorite for distributions.
While working in the Kherson region after the Nova Khahovka Dam crisis, we quickly shifted to water distributions to meet that need, while the larger NGOs worked on getting systems installed and wells
dug.
Going to some of the villages along a river inlet that had been flooded were some of my favorites. They were farther back from the frontline than what we’d usually visit, so allowed us to take more time with the people. Not having to worry about incoming artillery and drones spotting us, we sat down together in a circle beside the road. As we waited for more to gather, they started to tell stories of life under occupation and the terrible atrocities they witnessed. Then chaplain Leonid shared the Gospel message with them, and how to find true freedom in Christ.
Seeing the joy on his face as he gets to share with them excites me, and I’m so thankful we have these opportunities to sow seeds in the hearts of these people.
