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"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." - Matthew 5:6
Dear Friends,
We want to thank everyone for their prayers, calls, and notes of encouragement in 2024. It means a lot to our workers to know that believers here are praying for them as they continue to reach out with the gospel. In addition to the regular children's programs, our workers held a number of special Christmas events and visited many needy families in their own towns and in the neighbouring villages. They took with them Christmas hampers which included such items as hygiene products, warm socks, sweet treats, and children's gifts. We thank you for your faithful support that made all of this possible and wish you God's blessing for 2025. - Heather Renton
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UCCF Administrator Tatiana shares her thoughts about one specific need:
I would like to share some news about co-worker Svetlana K. and her husband Igor who both came to Christ through the ministry of Christian camps. A few weeks ago Igor and Svetlana became foster parents of two beautiful children - Yulia (8 years old) and Kostya (5 years old). Sadly, they are siblings whose parents did not want them and neglected them for too long; Yulia still can't read and they both need help developing social skills. Igor and Svetlana understand all the challenges but they also feel very blessed by having this opportunity to share God's love with these two children. From day one Yulia and Kostya started to call them mom and dad and are already making friends with other children in church.
I talked to Igor a few days ago and could not hold back my tears when he told me about Kostya's birthday party. It was the first birthday celebration the child had in his life. I am touched that God moved Igor and Svetlana's hearts to take these children in. There is a lot for all of them to learn but I am so happy that they have a chance to change these children's lives for the better and share their faith.
We would like to support them as much as we can and there is one thing they especially need. Their old car has recently broken down. Igor is fixing it but it is really too old and unreliable. Because they live so close to the front line, it is important that they are able to move away fast if the situation changes. Please keep this young couple in your prayers as they are very dear to me. - Tatiana L.
Photo: Svetlana and Kostya
Co-worker Alla K begins her report with a story about one family she visits:
Svitlana P lives in a nearby village with her younger son, Sasha. She works part-time at several jobs to provide for her family. When we visit their home, Sasha is the first to run out and greet us. He's a cheerful, active little boy who attends the childcare center where his mother works and is already preparing to start school next year. Svitlana's eldest son recently rejoined the military after facing legal challenges for leaving his service without permission. we have been praying for this family, and Svitlana shared that her eldest son is now serving again and doing well. We are grateful for the opportunity to support them with love, prayers, and care.
Photo: Svitlana and her son Sasha
On a personal note: I'm thankful to be back home after five days in the hospital for pregnancy-related care, but I need to keep my blood pressure under control with medication. Recently, my husband Oleksander went to the front line again to serve as a volunteer chaplain. We are grateful to God for keeping him and the soldiers safe. It's a blessing to know that he was able to bring comfort and support to the men there. With the ongoing mobilisation, laws are constantly changing, making things uncertain. We are truly thankful for your help to both our family and the people we serve. Despite the difficult times God is working in people's hearts. It's encouraging to see that life in the church continues - weddings are celebrated, children are born, and new believers accept the Lord. We thank you for your support and prayers for all these things! - Alla K. *********************************************************************
Co-worker Svetlana K tells about programs at their church.
Every two weeks we hold a Teen Club at our church. This ministry provides an opportunity for the teen group to connect in an informal setting. For some time there was no teacher for these kids in the Sunday School so this club was a very important way to keep the teenagers coming to church. In addition to Bible lessons, we organize fun workshops like cooking, crafts, soap making, games, and activities. During our lessons, we
discuss topics relevant to teenagers and study stories from the Old Testament. In December, we were happy to welcome a new Sunday school teacher, Yaroslav V a young man whose family was helped some time ago and later attended our summer camps. Both the teenagers and their parents were excited.
Unfortunately, this past week, Yaroslav had to go to Zaporizhzhia city for a meeting with the military commander and during that visit he was immediately called to the army. He is now in a training center and is unable to return home. After his training, there is a possibility that Yaroslav will be sent to serve on the front lines. Please join us in prayer for him and his family for wisdom, strength, and protection. We believe that God is with him and will guide him through this new chapter in his life. Thank you for standing with us in prayer and for your financial support which makes it possible to run our Teen Club, Sunday School, and Chrismas events. - Svetlana K.
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