Serving together, side by side, is one of the greatest blessings two people can share. It is even sweeter for a father and daughter to be given this opportunity. In the story below, you will hear from SGA Storyteller Karolina. She was able to spend the day ministering to others alongside of her father Dima, an SGA-supported missionary pastor and leader of Compassion Ministry across Ukraine’s war-torn regions.
As we go through our daily lives, it is easy for us to get caught up in our routines, and we sometimes neglect to think about or pray for those who are in the most difficult of circumstances. Karolina’s eyes were opened up to this very truth all in a single day of ministry on the front line of the war. As she delivered necessary items to those close to the frontlines, she recounted the blessings in her own life and thanked God for His care. Not only for her own life, but for the many people who have given to their ministry through finances, supplying aid, and through prayer.
As we recount our lives and consider our blessings, let us not forget about the impact that we have on others as we continue to support these faithful men and women who serve sacrificially in their own local communities. God uses people everywhere to bring about His goodness throughout the lands.
From our SGA storyteller, Karolina in Ukraine…
“On July 18, my father and I went to [a village] in the Zaporizhzhia region. Our goal was to share the Gospel with people who are close to the war, as we delivered diapers, medicines, and food packages to those people in need.
We visited about 10 families, of whom all were disabled persons. When we were there, I realized just how hard life is for such people, especially during the war. Constant shelling, some shops are closed, and the heat is unbearable in the summer. Some elderly people we visited could no longer walk, some of them could not see, some cannot speak. One woman was taken by God in the morning—we did not even have time to get to her.
Each of them has their own story. When we went into their houses, we just asked, “How are you?” Most of them started to cry as they began talking about their lives. Many people have children who are now fighting for our peace. One woman even has a missing son, but after talking with her, we understood that she believes he is alive. We prayed together for she and for her son, and we believe that he will return home, to a loving mother, to a quiet city without war.
You know, when you are completely absorbed by your everyday life, you do not even think that the people we visited there and how the number of them may be in the thousands, maybe even tens of thousands throughout Ukraine. People who simply cannot even go to the store to buy bread. I ask you to pray, to pray diligently that these people have hope for the future. Pray also that we will continue to be able to go to them and help them, and most importantly share the Gospel, so that they come to know the Lord and believe.
For me, this trip was very significant. At age 19, during this day, I thought a lot about my life and my opportunities. I’m very sorry that these people are living the last years of their lives during the war. Many of them were still alive during the Second World War and probably could not have imagined that they would find themselves trying to survive another war. It’s scary and it’s painful to see.
I thank everyone who helps the churches in Ukraine with humanitarian aid, finances, and prayers. This is exactly what we need. I thank my father Dima for giving me the opportunity to go with him. I thank God that He does not leave us. We could not do this through our own strength.
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In a time of great uncertainty, God is bringing help, healing, and hope to the people of Ukraine through SGA-supported pastors, churches, a seminary, and SGA-supported Compassion Ministry. Be a part of God’s incredible work with your generosity and prayer support.
Your gift of compassion helps struggling people with emergency aid that generally includes Scripture materials, food, and hygiene supplies.
