With God all things are possible. For Carolyn Garton those are more than words; they are her lifeline.
True Canadian
Carolyn is a true Canadian, from small town Aliston in central Ontario. Five years ago, a short-term missions trip to Ukraine turned into a lifetime calling. Before the trip she had no idea where Ukraine was, she simply felt she should go there. Once she was back in Canada she could hardly wait to return.
She went back as a volunteer with Loads of Love, a humanitarian agency led by Ed Dickson, out of Chatham, Ontario. Carolyn volunteered with ESL and helping addicts. It’s her calling. She knows what it is to be an addict. And she knows the freedom that Jesus can bring.
Three years later, Russia invaded Ukraine. Being a Canadian in Ukraine in wartime meant so much to the people she served. Millions left the country but she stayed in harm’s way.
Hero
About 15 months into the war, she decided to move into formerly Russian-occupied Novabrodskia, Ukraine. 
It’s a small village. One church. Many of the residents were killed or fled the Russians. Carolyn bought one of the abandoned houses for $1000 Canadian. She planned to live in it while she renovated it. Then she purchased a second house and is renovating that to serve as a rehab centre and a residence for short term missionaries. Carolynn has her eye on a third.
Carolyn partnered with a pastor to go into neighbouring villages. There she met children grieving the death of a parent or both in the war. Its winter. There’s no joy in their lives or food for their tables.
Their father was killed at the frontlines.
Christmas After Christmas
I got a note from her team on Saturday January 13th. “We are in the village right now. We will visit kids in three villages today with McJoyful gifts. Kids who’s parents are at war.” Carolyn rallied up some friends and shared Christmas with kids. Food. Presents. The love of Jesus. Hugs. A McJoyful party! 
We can stand with Carolyn.
I’ve partnered with her pastor to put on a fundraiser in Aliston on May 18th, my birthday. They will organize a Walk, Run or Ride event for Ukraine and all proceeds will go to helping Carolyn. The event is one of five so far, across Canada to raise $50,000 for work in Ukraine. I’ll be running 10km for the first time in over ten years. What else can I do?
With God all things are possible.
In April, I’ll be back in Ukraine and plan to visit Carolyn in her village.
How can you help?
Donate to WRR Ukraine by going to Loads of Love.
On the Loads of Love page you’ll see a place on the right hand sidebar to donate. Make your donation under Ukraine Crisis and write WRR UKRAINE JONES in the Message area. Your gift is tax receiptable.
There will be events in Saskatoon, Aliston, Ontario, Sherwood Park, Edmonton and Bonnyville, Alberta, Kamloops, BC between May 18th and June 16th. Registration and sponsorship details soon.
Good always wins. The best is still to come.
For now, post a comment or a prayer for Carolyn below and I will send them to her. Thank you.
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Dear Carolyn
May God continue to watch over you, give you peace and supply all your needs. As you share the message and hope that Jesus brings may lives continue to be changed.
Thank you for loving on people and finding ways to put smiles on children’s faces.