Today is Easter Sunday, which also marks the 4th anniversary of the launch of RevelationMedia. Normally, I would write an encouraging message and reflect on what God has done over the past year. However, today I feel led to share a truly heartbreaking situation and a new ministry opportunity.
Over the past two weeks, we have been collecting funds to help our translation partners, the 15 families who lost everything due to the war in Ukraine. This past week, we spoke with our Ukrainian contact, Michael, to ask him where we should wire the funds. He was so grateful for our support. When we told him a few weeks ago that we would be raising some funds for him, he thought it might only be a small amount. We didn’t know how much we would be able to give at the time, or how much our RevelationMedia family would be able to help the people of Ukraine. However, together we raised enough money to fully support all 15 families (including multiple generations that are surviving together) for the next four months!
We raised enough money to fully support all 15 families (including multiple generations that are surviving together) for the next four months!
It was so exciting to share this news with him. And then I learned that even in the midst of their own suffering, his church has taken about 90 additional families into their care. He shared some of the specific stories of loss of loved ones, horrific suffering, and the unimaginable sense of panic many families are experiencing. He shared about all the refugees they were trying to feed and minister to, and then he shared about two of his friends and coworkers, Pastor Valodia and Pastor Anatoli, chaplains in the Ukrainian military, who have been going into the cities that have been affected.
Pastor Valodia from the Brovary region.
These two chaplains have been some of the first to enter the cities that have recently been de-occupied. They walk the streets and go door-to-door looking for survivors. As you have heard in the news, the Russian military cut off all food and water from entering the cities. Many of those who were left behind are elderly, sickly, or poor. Many are children. These are not soldiers; they are innocent civilians caught in a conflict they have no ability to escape or change.
Michael sent me pictures of the aid these two chaplains have been able to distribute. Even as you read this email, they continue to search for victims. They personally found over 400 dead bodies—many of whom were women and children. Some of the bodies were stripped naked and burned. Some of the homes had mines on their doors. There were numerous reports of rape. The scenes they witnessed were not simply the aftermath of a war—they were of a genocide. I received pictures of some of the horrific scenes, but those pictures I will not share on this Easter Sunday.
Pastor Anatoli from Bucha.
When I asked Michael how they were dealing with all of this horrific tragedy, he replied:
"I tell people from the churches I have pastored that when the sky is blue, the sun is shining, and the birds are chirping, our faith is resting. But during this challenging time, our faith comes into action. Now we need to trust God more than ever before and help, care, and pray."
—Michael
I apologize for sharing such a difficult message on this Easter Sunday. But this situation was so heavy on my heart, and Michael is right. When trials and tribulations strike, Christians take action. This is not our home. We are citizens of God's Kingdom. This world is cursed with sin and has turned away from God. When I shared all of this with Debra she said, "This is the devil," and she is right. His time has not yet come, but we can take a stand and fight against him!
There are other Ukrainian cities still under siege where it is believed thousands, even tens of thousands, are dying. This situation is far from over. And many of the churches in Ukraine are doing everything they can to help. They are standing firm and ministering to those who have suffered the most, and bringing many of them to Christ. Every meal, every cup of water, and every hug exemplifies the love of Christ.
Woman being rescued from rubble after her city was attacked.
We can watch the news and hear the debates of all the right and wrong. We naturally have our own opinions, and if you're like me, you mostly just feel helpless. But after talking to Michael, I realized the unsung heroes of this conflict are the pastors, chaplains, and Christians who are putting their faith into action and ministering to countless people one by one. They don't know why this is happening. They cannot stop the assaults. They simply follow the call and work tirelessly to love and to serve. These are our brothers and sisters who we can partner with.
They don't know why this is happening. They cannot stop the assaults. They simply follow the call and work tirelessly to love and to serve. These are our brothers and sisters who we can partner with.
I told Michael that we would invite our RevelationMedia family to pray for and support Pastors (Chaplains) Valodia and Anatol as they continue to walk the streets and go door-to-door searching for survivors. I have included some pictures of them and their work. They are not aligned with any outside ministries that we know of, and we would be proud to have RevelationMedia support their ministry efforts.
We are not a large ministry, but we know we can make a difference supplying food, clean water, medical assistance, Bibles, and even spiritual encouragement to those who have survived the occupations. Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me”(Matthew 25:40, ESV).
If you would like to join us in helping support this outreach, you can use the link below to make a contribution. As long as we are able, we will support these two chaplains and their ministry. We will keep you posted as we learn more. As it has been reported, the worst of the occupations have not even been realized yet.
Body bags on a street in Bucha.
I am grateful that God has opened the door and allowed us to support His work in Ukraine. We no longer have to feel helpless, and I hope you will join with us.
Pastor Valodia in a recently vacated village in Ukraine.
Today, Debra and I are blessed to be with our families, to be safe and to freely worship at our church. We do not take this for granted. We do not know what trials or tribulations will come, but we know the final destination!
