We’ve all been shocked about what is happening in Ukraine. As the conflict continues, our Message Germany team couldn’t stand by and do nothing so are getting stuck into mission supporting Ukrainian families wherever possible.
We caught up with Sven who heads up Message Germany to find out more about what’s been happening.
‘We’ve been praying about how we can help those fleeing Ukraine and God has been making a way through many of our different connections for this to happen.
‘Every day for the last month, people have been arriving desperately needing accommodation, support and transport and we’re seeing God move and perform miracles.
‘A year ago, a couple we know felt led by God to convert a youth hostel as they felt he was going to use it. Faithfully they did this and filled it with food. As soon as they heard about the refugee crisis, they flung open the doors and we’ve been able to give families we’re working with somewhere to stay there.
‘Already over 100 Ukrainian families have come and found a safe place to stay. One of those staying there was Ilona, who came to us with her little boy. As we got her a room at the youth hostel and got to know her we shared the gospel with her, but she was very closed off to hearing about it and was desperate to make her way to a bigger city where she thought she’d be able to get the help she needed.
‘The next day as I drove her to Leipzig to drop her at the train station, I prayed that Ilona would have an encounter with Jesus and experience his love. After saying goodbye, I felt like I should go inside the station and check on her. When I got inside, she spotted me and rushed over saying she’d changed her mind about wanting to be in a big city and wanted to come back to the youth hostel. ‘I understand now that you really want to help and serve us.’ As we drove back, Ilona shared her story and was more open to hearing all about Jesus. Conversations are continuing each time we see each other.
‘Bipa is someone else we’ve been able to help. She fled Ukraine but was really sick with cancer and desperately needed medical help. As I prayed with her, I felt God tell me to call a doctor friend of mine who was able to connect me with a cancer specialist in the city. Miraculously, he spoke Russian and was able to listen to Bipa’s concerns and she’s already been able to start her treatment – we prayed and God made a way!
‘The way God has opened doors for us to share his love with the Ukrainian families is miraculous and we’re determined to use every opportunity possible to show people in word and action.
‘Even this week, we have Amongst Wolves visiting us for a week of mission with the Ukrainian families and our Eden team running outreach events for local young people. As we do this, please be praying we’d use every opportunity to share the gospel and see many respond.
‘Please also pray that more families would step up and host more refugees coming to Germany, that we’d fine more volunteers and translators to join the team and that finances would become available to buy food and clothing for families coming to us.’
If you’d like to stand with our Message Germany financially as they step out and serve the Ukrainian families, please visit the donation page of their website here. Or to find out how else you can help email [email protected].
