Visiting Grandma Nina
Grandma Nina was among the last on our firewood distribution list for the day. She was waiting for us when we arrived.
Nina has lived in the village of Mirnoye all her life. Its name means "peace," but there hasn't been peace there for two years. The village's power facility has been bombed twice. The effects of war are felt on all levels.
Her only son killed in war
Nina recently received news that no mother wants to hear. Her only son, 40-year-old Yuri, was killed in action.
"It happened near Herson during a bombing. Shortly before I was informed of his passing, he had sent me a letter with his picture. Someone had drawn it. 'In memory of me,' Yuri wrote. I replied, 'What are you talking about? You'll be home soon.'
"It was that drawing of him that we used at his funeral. I'm glad I got to see his body. Most mothers don't have that closure. Yuri was very well-liked. People stood along the road holding flags all the way from our house to the cemetery.
"Yuri is survived by his wife and four children. After the war broke out, they evacuated abroad. But they call me regularly. At the beginning of the year, they plan to come visit me," Nina reported happily.
Nina is not able to work but is too young to receive a pension.
Nina raised Yuri alone, supporting him by cleaning for people. When she could no longer do physical work, he provided for her with his income. Until she's of age, no governmental aid will come.
The firewood is a great help to her. She thanked us again and again.
"The Bible gives me hope."
Nina was so very happy with the Bible she received.
"Do you also have a children's Bible for my grandchildren?" she asked. She was delighted as we handed her one. She said, "The Bible gives joy and hope. My grandchildren need it, too."
Ukraine's Second Winter at War - Firewood for the neediest residents in the Odesa region
Bert Dokter, the director of our sister organization, Mission Possible Netherlands, recently visited the team in Odesa, Ukraine. Here is a portion of his report.
'At the end of October, when our team started distributing firewood, the weather in Ukraine was still mild, but a cold winter is ahead. Any men who are fit for fighting are on the front lines. That leaves women, children, the elderly, and the sick alone in the villages without means to acquire firewood. We were informed who the neediest residents were and delivered wood so they could heat their homes. They were deeply grateful.'
OUR WORK IN UKRAINE
– Bible clubs and camps for children and teens
– Distribution of aid to the poorest: boxes of food, firewood, clothing, essential supplies
– Every delivery includes a Bible and Christian literature, plus conversations with the recipients
