The definition of the word, “compassion” is “a deep-down awareness of the suffering of another, coupled with the wish to relieve it.” For many who are suffering because of the war in Ukraine, they are receiving relief in ways that meet their immediate physical needs. “Wishful” people have desperately tried to relieve their pain. The difference between wishful thinking and that of being compelled with godly compassion is a response where the foundation is built upon the Gospel of Christ.

When a bag of groceries is delivered, along with a testimony of God’s work in the life of His people, it is presented with enduring hope. This “delivery” comes with the promise of a future when all else likely seems bleak. It brings encouragement for the days ahead and His light to guide the way with hope.  

Please continue to pray for the men and women who deliver this hope through SGA-supported Compassion Ministry. Pray that their hearts will continue to be compelled to show the love of Christ through their individual testimonies of God’s grace and tell of the goodness of God in Christ Jesus.

Sent by SGA Storyteller Dominika in Poland:

Sometimes God uses a simple bag of groceries to open hearts that had long been closed to the Gospel, reminding us that acts of compassion can become doors through which His love and truth enter hurting lives.”

Thanks to the support of generous SGA partners, another Ukrainian refugee family in Poland was recently reached. This ministry continues to provide practical assistance, but also opportunities to share the hope of the Gospel with people who are struggling under the weight of war, displacement, uncertainty, and poverty.

Katerina and her husband Andrei, who are members of [an SGA-supported church], led by Pastor Mykola recently visited a family they had known for some time. Although they had desired to speak openly about faith before, there had always been an invisible barrier in the relationship that made spiritual conversations difficult. This time, carrying a big package of practical help, they were able to express practical love in a natural way—and this simple act of kindness opened the door to much deeper conversations. Katerina shared that the family they visited consists of Alina and her children, who live together with grandmother Oksana. Alina works every day to provide for the family, while the grandmother helps care for the children by taking them to school and kindergarten, and picking them up afterward. Like many refugee families, they are facing difficult challenges adapting to life in Poland. The children struggle with the language barrier, making school and everyday interactions stressful and emotionally exhausting, while the adults themselves are still trying to learn the language and navigate life in a new country.

In addition to their already difficult financial situation, the family recently encountered serious problems with renewing documents required for child support benefits. For more than two months the payments were suspended, even though they represented nearly half of the family’s monthly budget. As a result, debt accumulated for kindergarten expenses, and the family was forced to cut back even on food. Alina has become physically and emotionally exhausted, describing herself as feeling like “a squirrel running endlessly in a wheel,” overwhelmed and close to despair.

During the visit, Katerina and her husband were able to share a personal testimony of how God had saved and transformed their own lives. They spoke about repentance, grace, and God’s deep love for this family. They prayed together, and reminded them that God is already working in their lives through the ministry of Mykola and through the care shown by believers who continue to serve them in Christ’s name. The family listened with tears in their eyes, expressing gratitude for the visit, the food, and the encouragement. They were also invited to attend an evening of worship and fellowship.

At the moment, the family is considering whether they should return to Ukraine, as the pressures and uncertainty they face seem overwhelming. Yet we believe that even in the middle of confusion and hardship, God is continuing to work in their hearts. We are praying for them and looking for more opportunities to share the love and hope of Jesus Christ with them.

We are deeply thankful for every donor and every prayer that makes this ministry possible. Through your generosity, struggling families are receiving more than food assistance—they are experiencing the compassion of Christ through His people. Simple acts of kindness are becoming opportunities for the Gospel to be heard, relationships to deepen, and hope to be restored. Thank you for helping us continue this ministry to Ukrainian refugees in Poland. We trust that God will continue using  these efforts to reveal His care, His provision, and the saving message of the Gospel to those who need it most.