FROM THE FIELD: Schools Helping Schools

If you have been following the work of SALT Ukraine over the last several weeks, then you have likely heard about Ira. A leading figure in the Christian education scene of Western Ukraine, Ira has, like many of our partners, become an anchor in relief work during this crisis. Among many major deeds, she has turned her school into a hostel, and her faculty have all become relief workers themselves.

As I listened to Timofey Dovgalyuk interview Ira a few weeks ago, the idea hit me that we need to get Ira in front of as many educators and Christian schools in North America as possible. Just maybe there could be some form of adoption, help, or even better, some form of long term partnership that could have long term impact for Ira and her school.

Last week, I sent a message to The King’s Academy, where my children attend in Knoxville, TN, and they responded quickly. On Monday, we had a Zoom call with Ira and the leadership of TKA (also in attendance was Kristin Pushak from Trinity Christian School in the DC area). Today, The King’s Academy announced publicly a forthcoming long term partnership, saying,

“Lion Family, Good afternoon! I wanted to update you on a conversation I recently had with a new friend of mine, Ira, in Ukraine. I had the humbling opportunity, through TKA parent Greg Gibson, to connect with Ira, who serves as the Principal of a Christian school in Western Ukraine. I was able to learn of ways that our TKA family can intercede on their behalf in prayer, as well as efforts that can sustain their ability to teach generations of Ukrainians from a biblically-based worldview in the future. We will be sending a comprehensive prayer email to all stakeholders in the near future that details how our TKA family can be praying for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine as they seek to continue educating their children while serving refugees and those impacted by war.”

Friends, praise God for this! Let us continue to pray for Ira. Let us continue to be creative in our advocacy. Let us continue to introduce someone to someone who knows someone. Let us continue to fight for our partners in Ukraine with great confidence. Let us continue to make bigger asks (they are coming). Not for us. All for God’s glory. All for the good of our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.

I am amazed by all that God is doing through SALT Ukraine to push back evil and darkness.

Thank you for partnering with SALT Ukraine.

Thank you for furthering the work of SALT Ukraine by giving to our mission. Your generosity fuels the work. We are very thankful!

Keep praying, friends! We are in this fight as long as it takes.

Go here to give: RELIEF FOR UKRAINE

For Ukraine,
Gregory Gibson
Global Director, SALT Ukraine