Happy Soldiers…Is there such a thing?
These days, our newscasts are overflowing with countless gut-wrenching photos of Ukrainians – civilians and soldiers alike, suffering terribly. We continue to lift up the country of Ukraine in prayer and ask God for His protection and peace. We send life-saving medicines, support housing & meal programs, deliver food and clothing, and even send supplies to the military. Does any of this make any difference? Does any of it alleviate any suffering?
We say “YES – IT DOES!”
Yes – it does make a difference! Due to security reasons, many times we don’t receive photos of the actual soldiers who receive the essential supplies we send and buy in Ukraine. But occasionally we do! Look at the smiles and relief on their faces, as they receive tourniquets, clotting powder, bulletproof vests, antibiotics, bandages, flashlights, binoculars, and many other goodies. Bibles and tactical first aid kits are a soldier’s best friend, and we thank God that we can hand out both of these to more than 100 soldiers on the front lines.
Soldiers can be silly too!
As you may know, we have several aged-out orphans now serving in the Ukrainian military. These are young guys, and as such, are often at the bottom of the totem pole. Sergi sent me this silly photo of his unit, showing off the new bulletproof vests we sent them, but obliterating their faces for their protection. He was relieved that Hope Now provided his vest, and that we also sent vests for the other 3 members of his combat unit. When government-provided equipment is scarce, it goes to the senior ranking soldiers. Men are always allowed to provide their own, so we were glad to help Sergi protect himself as well as his entire junior unit. When asked if he has been fighting on the front lines, he replied, “Of course we are engaged in combat fighting – this is a war, and we must defend our homeland. Now, we have even more confidence. If God is with us, who is against us?” We have a hard time thinking about Sergi on the battlefield – it seems like yesterday that he was on the soccer field at the orphanage and at Kompas Park.
The Lord’s Army
We have many dedicated Christian volunteers who take your donated items to other verified volunteers, field hospitals, pharmacists, churches, schools, and battalions. We place tracking devices in each duffle bag, so we can be confident that our life-saving items are being delivering into the hands they are intended for. Here are some of the good people and items that have already gone to the front lines.
Pray for Ukraine
Psalm 70 1 Hasten, O God, to save me; come quickly, Lord, to help me. 2 May those who want to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace. 3 May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!” turn back because of their shame. 4 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!” 5 But as for me, I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; Lord, do not delay.
Also in News
Joy Comes in the Morning
Life Goes On
In every country around the world, and especially in Ukraine, young people are the future of the nation. A year ago, many Ukrainians were simply unable to fathom the idea of making plans. The idea of “tomorrow” for many people was just too uncertain and too far away. Over the past several months, however, a new sentiment of “just living life” has got many young people bravely making plans for the next phase of their lives.
Another Day, Another Death
Maybe you are sick of hearing about Bakhmut.
The battle of Bakhmut has already claimed 30,000 lives.
Including two of our precious Ukrainian sons.
And it has not been won yet.
