Thank you, thank you, thank you!
$70,000
Raise $70,000 for humanitarian aid in Ukraine for my 70th birthday. That sounded like a good idea. It’s the start that stops most people from executing on a good idea. So, we started on January 2, 2024 with a text to a friend.
Who knew that 11 months later we would raise to date: $56,723! Amazing.
Who Knew?
Who knew that Cory, our oldest son would choose to run 7 marathons on 7 consecutive days to raise funds and be featured on CTV and CBC radio. All the while working and taking care of his family.
Who knew that Linda Stride would “own” a hiking trail in BC by walking or biking it every day for a month to raise funds. Or Lillian would hold a spin fundraiser.
We didn’t know then that we would end up in Ontario, running 10km along with the pastor and people from a church in Alliston to raise funds for a volunteer from the church serving in Ukraine.
Or who knew that so many people would step up and give.
Our friends in Ukraine say, thank you! The strangers they are helping have say, thank you. They know that they are not forgotten. You give them hope.
I think God says, thank you for helping my kids with your resources.
Resilience
What amazes me most is the resilience of our dear friends in Ukraine. During ongoing chaos, they are distributing food, opening rehab centres, aid centres, new churches, and in September 2024, two new missionary colleges have started.
Imagine that!
In a war!
We will update you further with pictures and stories but let me start with this one.
Tanya and Vadim
Vadim and Tanya Ignatenko, are pastors and district leaders in Poltava, Ukraine.
In a time when thousands of children have gone missing, taken across borders into Russia, their church has been a shining light of hope.
Rescue
One story stands out: they received a call from an orphanage on the front lines—100 orphaned children needed rescue and food. With nothing in their storehouse, grocery stores empty, they still said yes! By the time the children arrived three hours later, a full meal was miraculously prepared. The next day, the children were moved further to safety. Just 24 hours later, Russian soldiers stormed the orphanage to take the children—but by God’s grace, they were already out of harm’s way.
Your giving is helping this resilient community who helped over 5,000 evacuate, served over 10,000 meals, gave away several tons of food, and despite the devastation, not only maintained their 8 original churches, but planted 10 more, started a missions school and 3 rehab centres, and now have 29 churches in fellowship with them, with 6 additional rehab centres, so they can help even more.
In times of darkness, God moves through miracles. He turns evil into good, and their faith and perseverance inspire us all. Let’s continue to stand with Ukraine in prayer, support, and action.
Ukraine 2025
Jocelyn and I will be going to Ukraine in 2025, war or not. Pray for Ukraine. For their freedom and independence and for the good news of Jesus to shape the future of Ukraine.
Please join the conversation and post a comment below. Thank you.
Hope grows here. We share stories that inspire people, build faith, and offer lasting purpose.
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