The First Rays of Sunshine

After yet another long and harsh winter of war, during which many had to live in survival mode, it finally began to warm up in early May. The first rays of sunshine did us a world of good. Perhaps this is one of the few pieces of good news we can share about Ukraine at the moment.

Over the past few months, we have been able to distribute food parcels in many places across the north, east, and south of the country. These parcels are packed with care and handed out with a big smile. After all, it is a blessing not only to receive, but also to give. We see sad faces turn to joy when people receive the food parcels. It is as if, for a moment, the sun breaks through.

The War Affects Everyone

In one way or another, everyone is affected by the war. Among them is Tanya, one of our volunteers. Recently, she received the heartbreaking news that her only son had gone missing at the front. This could mean that he was captured and taken to Russia, left behind somewhere wounded, or killed without his body being found. What Tanya had already feared has, unfortunately, now come true: her son has been killed. His body will soon be brought back for the funeral.

Our thoughts are also with Alexander from Chernihiv. His son has been missing for two years in the vicinity of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine. When you hear stories like this, you feel powerless. Often, all you can do is remain silent, listen, and pray to the Lord to comfort these people. The words from Isaiah 40:1: “Comfort, comfort My people,” take on a very special meaning because of this.

Extensive Damage

The major city of Odesa on the Black Sea is regularly hit by drones and missiles. At the end of March, several drones struck again, near the large synagogue in the city center. Fortunately, this happened at night, but the material damage was enormous. In Odesa, we also regularly distribute food parcels, especially to poor elderly Jews, Ukrainian refugees, and single people who cannot manage without extra help. It is unthinkable that dozens of drones would strike during the day while hundreds of people are standing in line for food parcels.

On Thursday, April 23, we paid a surprise visit to the Jewish school in Odesa. We visited nearly every classroom and asked the older children: “What is your dream?” Many said they hope to study in Israel or somewhere else abroad in the (near) future. One young boy also sang a beautiful Hebrew song for us. That same night, we were jolted awake by massive explosions. Dozens of drones struck near the Jewish school. An elderly couple lost their lives in the attack, and once again, the material damage was enormous. We are especially grateful that the attack did not take place during the day. Can you call that good news? I must admit I do not have an answer to that.

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Attacks

At the end of April, Rabbi Erentreu from Zaporizhzhia sent me a message with both good news and a request. The good news was that there were fewer drone and rocket attacks on this major industrial city, located about 25 kilometers from the front. The request was whether we could send six hundred food vouchers for the most disadvantaged members of his community. We were happy to comply. Unfortunately, the lull in the attacks proved to be short-lived. A few days later, the city was once again hit hard, resulting in dozens of injuries and deaths.

Rays of Sunshine

Meanwhile, spring has begun. The days are getting longer and the nights shorter. Fortunately, there are also bright spots – small rays of sunshine in difficult times. There are fewer power outages, there is running water, fuel is still available, and the thousands of potholes in the roads – caused by the winter – are now being repaired. In addition, we are still able to place orders with the wholesaler. Recently, we picked up another order of over 13,000 kilograms. We still have internet access. We regularly receive encouraging messages from the Netherlands and Belgium. And we are free to read the Bible.

It is precisely these rays of hope that give us new strength to continue our work. In the coming months, we hope to distribute thousands of food parcels again, with a smile on our faces. At the same time, it is always uncertain what might happen. But the most important thing is that we are able to continue this rewarding work, even under difficult wartime conditions, under His blessing.

Would you also like to contribute to our work in Ukraine and give thousands of people renewed hope and courage? Your contribution makes a big difference. One food parcel costs €15 (US$15).