At War For Two Years, Yet the Gospel Is Spreading

Two years ago tomorrow the unthinkable happened in Ukraine. Russia invaded the democratic society — where nearly 550 churches were providing weekly discipleship through Awana to more than 25,000 kids — and began a war that has destroyed homes, torn apart families and displaced communities, yet has not squelched the work of the Gospel. 

Our courageous and faithful teams have, since the first days of war, continued to spread the love of Christ through humanitarian aid, financial and physical support and – most urgently – the truth of the Gospel. In fact, since February 24, 2022, Christianity has grown in this region, thanks in part to your partnership with Awana and the tireless work of our Awana Europe teams. You can read more about their work in our Ukraine updates.

Just this past month, Awana Eastern Europe Director Pavils Grigas coordinated multiple shipments of supplies from Latvia and delivered aid to hurting communities in Ukraine (see image above). Anita, our lead trainer in Eastern Europe, and her team have, despite the encroaching war, continued to minister to hurting and homeless families through the care center in Cherkasy. Widows in remote areas of the country are still receiving life-giving bread and supplies because our brave partners in Ukraine continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus. And Awana clubs in the war-torn country continue to gather and provide the Word of God and eternal hope to children who are eager to learn about Christ’s love for them.

It’s been two years of war. But it’s been two years of God protecting our team and providing them with the direction to serve His flock. And it’s two years of your prayers and financial gifts. Thank you. Thank you!

As you think about our teams as we mark this milestone, “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for [our teams], that God may open to [them] a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ. …” (Colossians 4:2-3) 

And join us next month when we present a special interview on YouTube with three of our team members highlighted in our Ukraine updates: Pavils, Anita and Olga, a translator and Awana trainer in Ukraine. More details to follow next month.

Says Pavils:

Dear Friends,

I am asking very often to myself, how do we stay active and even have a chance to help others all these years and especially the last two ones?? Here is an honest answer: because of your prayers and financial support. You are helping us to be hands and feet of JESUS!!!

Many people first learn about HIS LOVE, because you are helping us, and it is possible because of HIS children from across the ocean!!! And here is HOPE for us that you will continue to support us during today’s even more challenging days. THANK YOU!!!

Pavils and TEAM

There is still work to do, and our Ukraine team needs you. If you can, please give a gift to our Ukraine fund so our staff on the ground can continue to spread the Gospel and love of Christ to those in need. To read what past gifts have allowed our teams to do and to stay up-to-date with the status of our efforts in Ukraine, read our Ukraine updates. 

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