Dear friends and supporters,
In just a couple of weeks it will be the one year mark since Russia began it's war in Ukraine. We could not have imagined the terror and upheaval that it has caused so many people. We also could not have foreseen how people from around the world would come together with their prayers, finances, and support for the Ukrainian refugees, defenders, and those around them.
The 10 people in this photo above are Ukrainian refugees that Dad and Mom brought to the Center 2 weeks ago, and they are adjusting well. That brings them to 15 Ukrainians and a few Romanian clients currently living at the Center. These Moms and children come from a village that is under constant bombing. One of the ladies here lost her husband last year, and today her house is completely bombed out, with no roof or walls standing.
Two of the children are there without their mom because she is fighting on the front lines. Dad says, "The kids are going through a rough time. They said that when the bombs were hitting their city, they would just cover their heads with blankets and pray. Now they are starting to feel safe again." The children try to do school online with a teacher back home, but the power over there goes out often.
Each week, the staff at the Rasa Family Center distribute food, medicine, and firewood to the widows in the neighbourhood. These are wonderful opportunities to listen to their stories and pray for them as they share the good news of redemption and God's love for them.
It's been a blessing for Mom and Dad to have their oldest grandchild, Ethan staying with them for a few months! Dad, Ethan, and a team just got back last night from a trip over the border to Reni, Ukraine where they made a delivery of food. Michele and the church then distribute the food to many people and soldiers in the area - the church is doing amazing work in that neighbourhood.
Pastor Alex is working from his church in Nikolaev to serve the many villages in that area and all the way to Kherson on the front lines (Kherson was liberated from the Russians but is still under bombardment every day). Dad and the team bring supplies to Odessa, which is still being bombed every week, and Alex distributes them with the car that was bought for him with the money donated from Canada.
On Sundays, Pastor Alex and his team hold a church service in Nikolaev, even as bombs fall on the city. Most Sundays, 400-500 people come to hear an encouraging word from the Bible.
Pastor Alex and his wife, Valintina, are currently visiting with Mom and Dad at the Center. Valintina and their two daughters have been staying in Romania since the start of the war while Alex stays in Ukraine. Please keep this precious family in your prayers!
While Mom and Dad were here in Canada visiting in November, they told us kids of some amazing stories of how God provided resources over the past year. There were a few instances where even before they finished buying one load of supplies to bring into Ukraine, the finances would come in for the following load. I'm sure they could write a book about the miracles they have seen! Thank you to each one of you who have given financially to make all of this happen over the past year. Every gift has helped, and as you can see in the photos above, is making a difference in the everyday lives of Ukrainians. Dad says he will make those deliveries into Ukraine as long as they are able, but at this point there is only enough to make one last trip in Odessa. They are in need of finances for the refugees at the Center, but more than that, they need to buy generators, warm clothes, and food supplies for the Ukrainians still living on the front lines. Would you also consider making a donation?
Please keep them in your prayers. Mom and Dad have been sick with a flu for the past couple of weeks, so prayer for health and strength is appreciated. Thank you and God bless you all! Jenni Kroeker (for Reinhard and Darcey Neufeld)
www.gatewaytohope.ca
To make a donation, you can give through the Great Commission Foundation for a tax receipt: https://gcfcanada.com/gateway-to-hope-romania/(designate Reinhard and Darcey Neufeld - Ukraine Relief)