Russia has invaded our geographical neighbour, Ukraine; the upheaval is going to be far-reaching. There are 1.5 million Ukrainians already residing in Poland on short term contracts, working in various industries, where they are valued as diligent, hard workers. Many of them are now returning home to fight for their country.
Meanwhile, in excess of a million women with their children are expected in Poland. The State has waived many bureaucratic barriers. Hundreds of thousands of Poles are spontaneously helping by giving food, transport from the border, free accommodation, etc. It is beautiful to see such solidarity, but a lot of this effort is not rational, as there are piles of food at the border crossing and no room for storage.
Railways in our part of Europe have offered free transportation. Just last Saturday our staff plus some local friends ferried 51 women and children 380 km / 238 miles from the Polish border to Wisla. There is also much humanitarian aid in which the churches are playing a major part. We planning to invite many people to a concert our church in Wisla given by my son, Filip, and his friends, during it we will invite people to return to the church for a Sunday service. During the concert there will be simultaneous translation into Ukrainian. We ask friends at CityBibles in the Netherlands to sell us 1000 Ukrainian Bibles. They sent them to us free of charge! We are also printing a Ukrainian version of Word for you today, personal daily passages for individual quiet times.
Churches are greatly involved as well, mainly giving humanitarian help.
As we have many connections, through our e-coaches with thousands of people, also our Outback outreach, that we started some 7 years ago in Ukraine – there are links to believers but also non-believers in need. In our organization – we appointed a lady, our e-coach that resides in Poland but is Ukrainian to coordinate this effort. Here is a tremendous opportunity for Sunday School children (nobody was planning for that!)
And just as a contrast – last Sunday we had a long planned celebration of my 70th birthday! It was under the shade of the Ukrainian war, of course, but – still, thankful for Lord’s wonderful guidance over the years! As many close friends were literally, physically involved in helping refugees – we had “just” 120 guests at a wonderful party prepared by Bogusia and the kids in a beautiful restaurant! It was very moving to meet with so many Polish and Czech friends with whom we shared so much history. Fantastic program, great food, time of singing, sharing, thanking God. I shared my “5 key lessons I have collected during my 70 years” – and its summary – the faithfulness of the Lord! The natural reaction is – THANKFULLNESS. I wish all of you could join us! But if you will come one by one we shall have even more time for a direct fellowship! Please, feel invited!
At present we have three friends from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, with whom we have partnered for many years. They use our mentoring/discipling software platform. Again – a wonderful time of fellowship and fruitful discussions. Cooperation always brings extra fruit.
We also met today with some Ukrainian believers – they were involved with CBN in Kiev and now are, as a 7 person family – in our region. We pray for the best way to help them.
Friends, we deeply appreciate your Friendship! Together, we may change the World, in the power of Holy Spirit! The Lord is answering prayers, indeed!
Henio
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