Those were the first words of our friend Kostya when we arrived in Lviv. Of course they were grateful for the 3/4 ton of aid (food, warm blankets, warm food) that we delivered as well, but the most important source of strength and encouragement for them was our presence. The importance of standing with the Ukrainian people in their time of greatest need cannot be overstated.
Our four-person City Church team traveled, once again, to Tarashcha. And also to Lviv and Kyiv. In addition to delivering aid, we needed to assess ongoing needs in each area and affirm our support of the work our partners are doing. The Lord also created opportunities for us to develop new relationships which, we hope, will open additional paths of aid.
Traveling in a large Citroen Jumper van, we had room for four adults and all of the aid purchased in Slovakia. The first load was delivered to our partners in Lviv where we spent the first night. Planning to re-fill the van in Lviv before the day-long trip to Tarashcha, we were delayed by a 2-hour air-raid delay around 8:00 the next morning. Then, with an emergency stop at a dentist for one of our team members (all good after and hour of work and a mere €10 invoice), and a 1-hour shopping trip at the Lviv Metro (think Ukrainian Costco), we were on our way with an additional 3/4 ton of food and warm clothes for Tarashcha.
Again we were welcomed with thank-you’s for coming in person … for not forgetting … for sharing the burden of the Ukrainian people. What an honor and privilege to be the Lord’s hands and feet in such a small way when measured in volume or weight or cost of aid, but such a large way when measured in kingdom currency and spiritual significance.
It is hard to put into words the feeling of constant vigilance that influences the atmosphere of this war-torn country. But with defiance to those who seek to harm, and resilience in keeping the economy, hope, and faith alive, the Ukrainian people will not be shaken. And it is our privilege to stand with them and for them in any way we can.
Thank you for continuing to stand with us as we say yes to every invitation from the Lord to help in Ukraine, and to help the refugees of Ukraine who now live in Slovakia. We would echo the words of Kostya … “Thank you for not forgetting Gary & Joy, and thank you for not forgetting Ukraine!”