The War in Ukraine: Reflections After a Year of Serving
When we started this blog a year ago, our Eastern Europe Director Pavils Grigas had just fled Ukraine with his wife, Valentina, and three grandchildren to stay with relatives in Latvia. They left behind their possessions, house, church and family. Today we share Pavils’ reflections on leaving home, living as refugees and God’s faithfulness in the past year. Look for future updates monthly at awana.org/ukraine-updates.
March 15, 2023
The decision to go to Latvia in February last year was a really quick decision. If I may say now, God took my hand and pushed me to do that. It took more than 48 hours at the border with many uncomfortable situations for us. Probably some of the stress will stay with us forever and has already caused some health problems, together with our age.
We feel God’s love in each step, every day, every week and in every situation. It was not always easy, and probably never will be. But He directed our steps and gave us patience, and He also directed people who made decisions for our life here. So what do I want to say about that? He gave us the feeling that He is our heavenly Dad and we are His children. Yes, we are out of our comfort zone, but with His Love and care. Even more than that, we are able to help the Awana team and other people in Ukraine because of our location here in Latvia.
Pavils (left), his wife, Valentina (right) and their grandchildren after crossing the border from Ukraine into Poland.
Honestly, there comes from time to time the feeling that we should just move back and be with family and friends, shoulder-to-shoulder in Cherkasy. Then after each good humanitarian trip, which gives us a chance to help people in need, we see how God sees need and helps us to put in the boxes we deliver exactly what people are waiting to receive!!! We just pray and say, “Thank you, Lord! You allow us to be Your hands!!!” What a great feeling!!! And this gives us power to continue temporarily staying here.
That is the reason why we may do what we do here!!! It is people who give their money to complete our mission. Prayers together with funds are a double blessing!!!
And finally, we are just people with our weaknesses who need your prayer support to be His hands for people in need!!! To hear what He likes for us to do and where we need to stay.
Pavils (center) and his family at a church service in Latvia, marking one year since Russia invaded Ukraine. At the service, the Ukraine national anthem was played and many prayers were said.
Areas of greatest need:
- food, food for children
- medicine
- school supplies, tablets for online school
- supplies to run clubs for refugee kids
- generators
- clothes for kids, adults and soldiers
- building materials to help Awana leaders fix their homes
A humanitarian aid truck from Latvia.
If you would like to provide financial assistance to the work our teams our doing, please click the donate button, below. To learn how your financial gift will be used, follow our monthly posts, read our previous updates and go to awana.org/ukraine.
The Awana Editorial team is a group of people passionate about child discipleship and the equipping of leaders for the advancement of the kingdom. We have a breadth of experience in children’s ministry, and our heart beats with the stories of what God is doing around the world. We have an affinity for salty snacks and the occasional sweet treat, and we believe that everything is better with a good cup of coffee!
