More Trips to the Front Lines

From Hope to People, dated September 9, 2022 (our partner in Ukraine)

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In August, employees of the Hope to People Mission made twelve evacuation trips. Two of them - to the frontline with humanitarian aid for the military. It was a new experience for our ministers because previously, they were involved only in evacuation trips. Even though these trips had a certain level of danger - people had to be pulled out of combat areas (Slovyansk, Bakhmut, Soledar, etc.), in general, the most difficult part was that they were long-distance trips. The drivers had to drive more than a thousand kilometers in one direction, return the next day and transport the refugees to their places of temporary stay.

We learned from servicemen and chaplains that some units do not always have enough food due to hostilities, and there is a need for medicine and equipment. Therefore, provisions, delicious homemade dumplings, medications, and other things were collected that we were able to deliver directly to the frontline. Even more, one of the churches in Rivne raised funds and purchased a car for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which we also managed to load up with provisions and drive to the Donetsk region, where our m ministers handed it over to our defenders.

It is very difficult on the frontline because not everyone can handle themselves under continuous fire for even several hours. The military, who have seen a lot of death and injuries, have developed a special attitude to life because every day can become the last, and everything you have can be destroyed in just a moment. The soldiers were genuinely happy to see the civilians who came to visit and encourage them! They thanked and said that without the help of volunteers, they would not have had such support, which they have been receiving for the 7th month of the war. They also ask questions about God, faith, and eternal life. During the trips, our brothers had the opportunity to talk briefly with some brothers in Christ who are serving at the front.

It is a great honor for us to be involved in the service of helping the army. Every prayer, every hryvnia, and every minute and effort spent on defending the country from enemy aggression will surely bear fruit and bring the day of victory closer. We express our gratitude to everyone who prays, donates, and contributes, in every possible way.

During one of the trips, our employees were able to participate in a Sunday service and preach in a small village church in the south of Ukraine. Although this area is regularly shelled by enemy artillery, hundreds of fellow villagers and residents of neighboring villages, whose churches have closed due to the departure of pastors and ministers, gather in the house of prayer. People come not only to receive humanitarian aid, their souls are thirsty for the Bread of Life.