SGA-supported Pastor Valentin’s church in Odessa has more than 100 years of history. At the beginning of the war in Ukraine nearly one year ago, it opened a relief center to help meet the emergency needs of suffering Ukrainians. So far, the congregation has distributed more than 50,000 food packages and continues to serve men, women, and children in need by providing clothes, warm blankets, and firewood.
Valentin reported recently how faithful brothers and sisters in Christ helped Valentina, a retired woman who came to their church for help. “Before the war started, she moved from Kherson to Belgorod-Dnestrovsky,” he explains. “Her son stayed in the Kherson region, where he is under occupation now and cannot return to the territory controlled by Ukrainians. Christians from the church told Valentina about God, about Jesus. Now she hopes for God, she is praying and asking God to save her and her son. Valentina lives very poorly, and has a very small pension. She is very grateful for the products she received, and every time she gets it as a gift from God. Please, pray for Valentina and her son!”
Yulia and her family have also been helped by Valentin’s church. She shared her story:
My name is Yulia, I am a mother of four children. Recently, I survived a tragedy in my life, the death of my husband. I was left alone with my children and a very ill mother. My mother passed away recently also, so I am only with my children now. Trying to find any support, I came to [the church]. Here, I constantly receive the help I need — food, because during the war, my large family survived on my salary. Working hard in a factory, I got $150 per month. But sometimes there was no work at all, and we didn’t have what to eat . . But the most important thing for me now — God found me with my broken heart. He saved me and my family. Being with God and in the church, I am not afraid anymore, I am not scared even the war. I am so grateful to everyone who helps us survive these difficult times. May God bless you all!
We praise God for His goodness, and thank Him for the lives He has changed through Valentin’s church. Please continue to lift up this SGA-supported pastor and those who faithfully serve the poor in their community each week.
Valentin has also recorded a special message of thankfulness for you at a recent food distribution and outreach project at his church. Please watch and hear how your support and that of fellow believers like you is helping to provide “better food” for the body and soul in this region of war-torn Ukraine . . .
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.