Do we hear them? In the story below, SGA Storyteller Angela shares from her heart. This is a firsthand story of someone who is living through the war and is a witness to the many lives being affected by it. The children are tragic victims. Their carefree childhood has been taken away. Please pray for their futures and that they will find true hope in Christ, at a time that seems completely hopeless.   

Do you hear them?

The children in Ukraine.
 
The newborn’s cries, those sweet dreams interrupted by the shrills of the air raid siren, signaling to seek safety, because that little human who has lived but a few months is a target for the neighboring country.

Their endless prayers: “Lord, thank you for this day and for giving us the chance to come to camp. Thank you that we are safe. Please help those kids in the hospital and make them well. Please help all those who are traumatized. Amen.”
 
Do you see what “summer vacation” looks like for them? Like on a beach last week, when a missile strike happens very close, and the debris flies in every possible direction. How seconds later, seven-year-old Eva runs to her aunt in tears, repeating over and over, “I haven’t repented yet!” And they get on their knees right there, amidst the shrapnel and pieces of metal debris, and that small child cries out to God, asking for forgiveness of all her sins and thanking Him that they are still alive.
 
Do you notice how the little ones, recently evacuated from the frontlines, shudder and jump at every sound of the door closing or balloon popping?
 
And when you eavesdrop on the casual conversations between mother and daughter, you’re amazed at the questions the little ones pose:

“Mommy, what countries have you been to?
“I’ve been to Turkey twice, Egypt, Russia.”
Four-year-old Emily’s eyes widen in shock. “Russia? They didn’t kill you there?”

Do you see the toddler in his parents’ arms, nestled in the “safest” corner of the house, because the bomb shelter is near impossible to reach at three in the morning?
 
And you might not hear the ones under constant gunfire, because some have lost their ability to speak. And you might not understand the ones who are grieving, like the teen who lost his father recently and now has speech defects and stutters more than he speaks. And you probably can’t come close to the ones who are pouring out their intense sorrow through aggression; the only way they know how.
 
So, tell me, world, do you hear them?

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.