From Ben – 20 March 2022
I have no doubt that you, like so many caring people around the world, are deeply saddened and heartsore to see the suffering and destruction of the Ukrainian nation. Who would have thought that a full scale conventional war would take place in Europe in the 21st C. Russia has shown no mercy as it relentlessly bombards city after city, dominating the skies with sophisticated weapons and explosives.
As in every war, there are the vulnerable women, children and aged caught up in the crossfire. This week I was able to speak to Pastor Anitoly from a Baptist church in Zaporizhia in the Central Eastern region of Ukraine. This is the church that one of our members used to attend while living in Ukraine and he is in regular contact with them. This church is helping to provide accommodation, food and support for displaced people escaping the invasion and bombing. They are doing their part in assisting the 2 million people in transit to other parts of Europe.
This church needs our financial support to help them in this work of Christian service. I would like to invite you to help as you are able, giving what God lays on your heart towards these people, many of whom are Christian. Because the need is urgent, we can’t delay but need to step up in the next week or so. Your gift can be given electronically to GPC but must be clearly referenced “Ukraine appeal”
Our finance committee will also be releasing some funds to assist, which had been allocated to Covid relief.
This morning in my devotions as my heart was heavy with the crisis in Ukraine, I read from Matthew 25 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’