We went to two different churches yesterday to fellowship and bless the congregations. We hosted two banquets and handed out clothing, food and hygiene hampers to each family and each widow. One woman came up to Nadia after she received her food hamper and said God’s timing is perfect. She had just run out of food and had no money to buy more; this woman literally had nothing in her cupboards. She looked at the hamper and said this food would now last her until Christmas. Praise the Lord!
Another woman found a skirt in a pile of clothing we had laid out to give away, and she started to cry. She grabbed my arm, pulled me close and told me she had been wearing the same skirt for the last 20 years. Now she would have two skirts and was overjoyed!
Another story we heard was of a man who was thrown into concentration camps in Germany and in the Ukraine. He nearly starved to death, weighing only 36 kg when he escaped. He looked at the food and exclaimed what wealth we have now!
Still another woman came up to one of our team members after the church service and told us she just accepted Christ during the service. She had been to church before with her Christian mother. But on this day the testimonies shared by our team members as well as the sharing by Pastor John and Mary really spoke to her heart. Her mother celebrated and the daughter cried as she told us she was now born again.
It is incredible to hear these stories. Every person had one to share. Every person saw how God had worked in their lives, or how their faith had been strengthened. God is so evident in the midst of so little here in the Ukraine. There is such poverty. And there is such joy. And the endless flow of stories all point to the one Provider: Jesus.
We are very grateful to be here when there is a team so we can be a part of such incredible moments as these. We have many more to share in the days to come. The power and internet have cut in and out during our time here but we will be sure to post again shortly if we are able.
Tags: People
Those stories gave me goosebumps and made my eyes water. It’s so encouraging to hear about the impact that is being made in the lives of so many. Thanks for sharing.
Kayla, thank you so much!
Thank you for sharing … it is overwhelming to hear how God is using all of you. Praise His name!