Recently, we heard from Ihor, a deacon at an SGA-supported church in Ukraine who shared with us about a displaced family in great need. The mother has abandoned the family, and the father is now parenting his 11 children. Ihor has written again to share an update about this family and tell more of their heartbreaking story . . .

One of the oldest sons, Ilya, was in a car accident with his father Volodymyr. Both of them were very seriously injured in a car accident last year. That was not their fault. The truck driver caused the accident. 

The front part of Ilya’s head was badly smashed. He was operated on because his brain was damaged and an implant was placed in front of his forehead. Now he is lying completely immobile, only his eyes are functioning. His brothers and sisters are taking care of him. And his elderly grandparents live with them also. Their father Volodymyr also had two surgeries. Their mother is staying in occupied territory and does not want to move to her family (and she didn’t even think to escape with the children).

The eldest son of this family is in captivity. There is no news about him yet. The church and the town authorities take care of this family from time to time, but we ask for some help from other people. It is cold and rainy now, and their house needs to be more insulated and there are many other needs to prepare for the winter. Whenever possible, the church helps with food packages from SGA, and we physically go and help. But material support is always needed there . . . The children are not lazy at all, they help around the house all the time. Even the little boy Mykola loves to do the dishes.

The main thing is that this family heard about the love of God, and the Lord is helping them through His children, and the family can see it. The younger children come to Sunday school every Sunday now, the girls love to sing.

Thank you, brothers and sisters, for your food aid and your care. God knows to whom such help should be delivered, and we are instruments in His hands. 

THANK YOU, dear friends from SGA and all the sponsors whose help is so obvious and timely!

In His service,
Ihor

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, medicine, warm clothing, and shoes.