Hope Carried Village to Village
In the days following the loading of our most recent shipping container, we were encouraged to receive several updates from our church partners in the Sumy Oblast, where gospel ministry and humanitarian aid continue side by side, often under very challenging circumstances.
One team travelled to the villages of Vovna, Dubrovka, and Kaliivka, where around 120 people gathered to listen to the good news of the gospel. Alongside preaching and personal testimony, the team distributed Bibles, food kits, groceries, and small gifts for children. After the meetings, they spent time talking with people individually and praying with them. The team expressed heartfelt thanks to God for His protection and for the prayers that continue to uphold their work.
Encouragement Through Seeing Aid in Action
Around the same time, we received photos showing humanitarian aid being distributed through churches in Sumy. For those of us here in Northern Ireland, it was deeply encouraging to see medical supplies, incontinence pads, and other essential items being used exactly as intended, reaching people who genuinely need them.
Near the Front Line in Kramatorsk
Another visit took place in the town of Kramatorsk, approximately 10 miles from the front line. Despite the danger, many people attended the Sunday service and listened attentively. The team distributed Tena pads and other essential items, which were received with sincere gratitude. Once again, we were reminded how vital these seemingly simple supplies are for dignity and daily life in frontline areas.
The following day, the team travelled to three more locations in the Sumy region, distributing around 100 boxes of practical items. People were glad to receive the help, eager to talk, willing to ask questions, and thankful for prayer. There were moments of shared singing and fellowship, even amid hardship.
At the same time, a group of young people from western Ukraine travelled to serve in the Yampil area of Sumy. They sang, spent time with local residents, and had fellowship with them. We were particularly moved by photos of children receiving small gifts, chocolate bars, books, and toys, simple items that brought visible joy in places marked by loss and disruption.
Alongside this, the team also shared images of areas that had suffered severe damage, a sobering reminder of the ongoing reality of the war and the deep needs that remain.
Returning Again, Despite the Danger
The following day, ministry continued once more in the Yampil area, with three meetings held close to the front line. The team preached, sang and prayed with people, and distributed further critical supplies. Their willingness to return again and again speaks of quiet determination and deep love for these people, and I’m always inspired to see their efforts to preach the Good News.
Song in Video – You are our Strength and Help – https://holychords.pro/46844
Aid Delivered To Mykolaiv
Finally, we also received videos from our Latvian partners, Ganta Fonds, showing the distribution of medical equipment and consumables from our 14th shipping container, which was sent to the Mykolaiv region.
The staff at a hospital gave thanks for the medicine, medical, and rehabilitation equipment. This hospital treats the wounded from Mykolaiv and Kherson, and they are very thankful for such valuable assistance.
This staff member is very grateful to the Ganta Fonds foundation in Latvia, who distributed the medical items from MedAid4Kids (our shipping container) to them.
Reflection
Across these updates, one theme stands out: faithfulness in ordinary, costly obedience. Teams keep going, village to village, day after day, not because it is easy, but because Christ is worthy and people still need hope.
The apostle Paul writes:
“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
— Romans 10:15
In places marked by fear, fatigue, and loss, God continues to send His people, carrying both practical help and eternal hope. We give thanks for His protection, for open hearts, and for the privilege of playing even a small part in what He is doing.
Please continue to pray for all those serving in the Sumy region, for those living near the front line, and for wisdom, strength, and perseverance as this work goes on.
Get Involved
We are always on the look out for people who would love to help in this work. Can you:
1. Help loading shipping containers?
2. Donate hospital equipment, consumables, mobility aids or incontinence pads?
3. Sort medical consumables?
4. Prepare shipments?
5. Help in another way?
If so, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact us at [email protected] to find out more!
Links
🔗 Ganta Fonds (Latvia) – https://www.facebook.com/gantafonds
Our sincere thanks to Ganta Fonds for faithfully receiving, storing, and distributing humanitarian aid into Ukraine, including medical equipment and consumables from our recent shipping containers.