The generosity of friends like you is equipping churches in Ukraine to care for the poor and the needy, including children, families, and the elderly. Hear the story of one man’s journey of faith that began at age five with the influence of his grandfather, and how many years later this faith is helping him survive such difficult times today. And with your support, the local church can continually lift him up by helping meet his most basic needs when he has nowhere else to turn…

The witness and love from a godly grandfather can have lasting impacts. What is taught and exampled in the early years of a child can be remembered for a lifetime. Alexander fondly looks back on the love and teaching of his grandpa. He remembers songs they sang together and having church services in their home. These memories prompted him later in life, after things of the world had impacted him, to read God’s Word in search of answers. Even after all of the distractions that life has brought to him, he still stands on “his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, his major rock!” Now, possibly a grandfather himself, he shares the love and sacrifice of Christ to others.   

Alexander is one of the millions of elderly Ukrainians from whom the war took away all their physical support, forcing them to seek help in humanitarian centers. However, fortunately, Alexander’s major rock – his faith in the Lord Christ Jesus – could not be taken away by suffering. The man was born in the post-war year of 1948. Due to ruin and poverty, his parents did not have permanent jobs. Therefore, they went to work while Alexander stayed with his grandfather. He was only five years old back then. His grandfather was a Christian Baptist. The worship services at his church were held in their house. Alexander still remembers some words from Christian songs and hymns. Grandpa’s upbringing marked the man’s beginning of thinking and searching for God in his life.  

At a mature age, when Alexander and his wife already had a daughter and a well-established life, questions and reflections, sown by his grandfather and mother, who was also a Christian, began to sprout in his heart. The man turned to reading the Bible in his search of God. He came to the church and repented. 

Now, the advanced years of Alexander fell on a period of brutal war and destruction in his home village. He and his family planted gardens – they had vegetables, fruits and a small farm. It was something that supported them and was their livelihood. The war forced him to move from the village, where it became too dangerous to stay. The man receives a low pension, while the utility bills are growing, so he lacks money even for the most basic food needs. Humanitarian aid in the church helps the man and his family survive. When they have a few more grocery items than they need, Alexander shares them with their unbelieving neighbors, most vividly revealing God’s sacrifice and love for people. 

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-sponsored 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, medicine, warm clothing, and shoes.