SHORT-TERM MISSIONS &
DISASTER RESPONSE

The Crates for Ukraine program continues, providing much needed humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable in Ukraine as the war continues.

Last week, David Nakhla, OPC Disaster Response coordinator, had the privilege to speak with Mark Agarkov, an elder-in-training at Kharkiv Presbyterian Church (part of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Ukraine), and Heero Hacqueboard, OPC missionary to Ukraine, about the current situation there and the ministry they are both involved with as a result of the war. Mark, his wife, and twin baby boys live in Kharkiv, a city just 18 miles from the Russian border, and have endured countless attacks—some striking within a mile from their home. Kharkiv is also now home to an estimated half a million internally displaced people. "We are very careful when we hear explosions. We try to hide in a room without windows and follow the rules of "two walls", [get yourself] two walls away from the street in order to be safe from shelling." Mark says the air raid sirens go off as much as half of the day. "We have to distinguish when it is a real threat, and we have to hide...[because] if you have to go to bomb shelter, you have to live in that bomb shelter."

Heero lives with his family in L'viv, a western city in Ukraine, far from the Russian border, but close enough to feel the war's devastating effects. Many have migrated to the western side of the country, due to the fighting, enabling his church, The Holy Trinity Reformed Church, many opportunities for mercy ministry.

You can hear the entire interview with Mark and Heero on an upcoming episode of The Reformed Deacon podcast.

Jon Eide, the MTW Country Director for Ukraine, said in a recent email newsletter,

"The attacks have intensified to levels not seen before in the war... Yes, we are all tired. Tired of war. Tired of disease, famine, injustice, and the effects of sin in this broken world. But the real challenge before us is this: How do we keep going? How do we stay faithful? How do we not grow weary in doing good? . . . We are called not to grow weary in doing good—because God knows that is exactly what we are tempted to do. These entrenched evils are not solved by grand speeches or one-time efforts. They demand endurance, faith, and hope that endures beyond headlines and political cycles.

"The church—redeemed, Spirit-filled, and set free in Christ—is uniquely equipped to endure. We don’t grow weary because we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. We don’t lose heart because we know that in due season we will reap, if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9)."

Please continue to pray for this weary land, for strength for those ministering to the most vulnerable. Visit CratesforUkraine.com to see how you can help. Or consider making a donation to the “Ukraine Crisis Fund”, much of which will go to the ministries of mercy of the churches of both Mark and Heero.