Going to Ukraine

What do you do when an opportunity comes along that involves humanitarian work in a country at war?

Invitation

In a previous post I shared how many of my colleagues encouraged me to connect with Ed Dickson. My friend, Steve Hertzog, scheduled a trip to Ukraine with Ed. When he was no longer able to go, he asked if I would consider going to Ukraine with Ed. I said I was interested, and Ed sent me an invitation to join him in Ukraine this December.

After consulting with Jocelyn and our kids and my boss, the decision was made to go. (At the bottom of this post there is direction for how you can participate financially to give hope to kids caught up in a the war.)

Now. I’m not the first person I know to go to Ukraine during the war years. And the tales of air raid sirens, missiles, drone strikes, gun fire, and risk were familiar to us. Our sons thought it was exciting and scary at the same time. So, we didn’t make the decision lightly. Jocelyn was quite happy for me to go off on an adventure and do some good at my age. It is an honour to be asked. And Ed seems like a great travel companion.

“I am personally very grateful for your willingness to travel with me at such a challenging time for the people of Ukraine.”

Christmas in Ukraine

Starting November 28^th, Ed and I will travel across the entire country to meet with the Loads of Love staff and church leaders and participate in on-going humanitarian efforts. Together we will lead a pastor’s conference for almost 100 church leaders; meet with the coordinators of missionary training centres, and bible training programs; and encourage workers in orphan and children outreach. We will also spend quite a bit of time with leaders of the church planting movement.

I’ll be home for Christmas.

McJoyful

Part of our work will be to host McJoyful parties for kids, many of whom are orphans or displaced because of the war. We’ll pick the children up and bring them to the nearest McDonalds to their towns and villages.

For only $10 Canadian, we will provide a child with transportation, a McHappy Meal, a presentation of the Christmas story and a gift. Our goal is to host 3,000 Ukrainian children in December.

Support

To support the work I’ll be involved with, please make a donation to Loads of Love and designate it for McJoyful. Charitable receipts will be issued.

Most children are not familiar with the kind of Christmas we celebrate in Canada. And these children would never get to MacDonalds without your support.

To donate:

by E-Transfer at: loadsoflovechatham@gmail.com

Please add your mailing address in the NOTE section of the E-Transfer.

by credit card through Canada Helps

In the fund drop down list select McJoyful Christmas (Ed Dickson)
In the private message area please write my name – Bob Jones

Thank you for your generosity.

I’ll keep you updated on developments. It’s not too soon to ask for your prayers for this trip. I know I’ll receive more than I give in Ukraine. Thank you. Read my recent post about Ed Dickson.

Please join the conversation and post a comment below.

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