I long to accomplish a great and noble task,
but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks,
as if they were great and noble. Mother Teresa
I’ve seen them gather in Liviv, Dnipro, Kriviyi Rih, and Kupiansk, Ukraine. Moms with their littles. Their homes were destroyed, some are war widows, some have husbands fighting on the frontlines. They are grateful for the goodness of fellow Ukrainians.
A little kindness goes a long, long way.
And much of the kindness is supplied by generous Canadians and distributed by Ukrainian Christians. The funds to purchase the non-perishable items in the bags come from Canadians. Most of the humanitarian support near the frontlines is delivered by evangelical believers. I’ve travelled with pastors and volunteers to distribute bread and clothing to seniors within earshot of artillery fire. We pray with them, tell them that they are not forgotten, that God cares and invite them to trust Jesus as Saviour.
My pastor friends are not being melodramatic when they say that they live one day at a time. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. I have stayed in hotels and preached in meeting centres that no longer exist because they have been rocketed by the Russians.
This summer, I will be returning to eastern Ukraine with my wife for seven weeks, helping pastors and churches. People ask, “Is it safe?” Of course not, but it’s good. It’s the least we could do to offer kindness to people who are war weary after three plus years of devastation and terror. One project is ensuring over 2,000 children will have a week-long summer camp experience, filled with nutritious food, amazing crafts, inspiring Bible stories and joy. What a thrill to help them treasure every moment of every day and feel the love of Jesus.
That’s how the world is changed.
Thank you for reading. I invite you to take a moment and pray for Ukraine.
Thank you.
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Thank you, Bob, for being a part of the small kindnesses shown to Ukraine. My grandparents immigrated to Canada from Ukraine and I have great compassion for the Ukrainian people. My father (who will be 91 this month) volunteers at a place that processes and dehydrates vegetables for soup. Much of the dried soup mixture goes to Ukraine. May you sense God's presence and blessing as you go to serve his people there.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lorrie. It's such a small world with so many in Canada having connection with Ukraine. Awesome that your father is helping in that way.
DeleteWonderful eye opening post, Bob. Love the lines, “Small things done with great love.
ReplyDeleteThat’s how the world is changed.” Couldn’t agree more. Blessings on your day and will add you and your group to my prayer list as you venture forth to make a difference. May God go before you and prepare the way.
Thank you for praying, Sharon. Ukraine needs God's favour. The church in Ukraine needs God's favour.
DeleteYour post blesses me, Bob. To know you are doing this work for the dear people of Ukraine blesses my heart. These words are words to hold close in one's heart: "Small things done with great love. That’s how the world is changed." God bless as you and your wife go. We pray for traveling mercies. . . blessed going and coming and every moment in between.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this look at kindness in action, Bob. May God continue to bless your ministry and protect you and your wife as you serve He who loves all mankind. A young woman of the church my wife and I are members of, is returning to her homeland of Ukraine next month. She will be there for a month and wants to locate family members. Lord have mercy!
ReplyDeleteSmall things done with great love ... that's how we were meant to live in the world. Thank you, Bob.
ReplyDeleteAmen. Have a wonderful Easter weekend, Joy.
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