"We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia" 2 Corinthians 8:1
Contributions from donors have given generously.
SIBI is humbled and challenged by the trust over 1,000 brothers and sisters in Christ have placed in us. For the past month, we have been flooded with donations of love and support for the churches in Ukraine. Donations have come from all across the United States and around the world.
One touching story comes from Barry Smith, who works with the Sudan Project. On a recent visit with 100 South Sudanese preachers from refugee camps in Uganda, they asked Barry about how the Lord's church was responding to their brothers and sisters in Ukraine. When he told them about our efforts and how we are supporting the churches, they prayed. The prayer was in English, Arabic, and several dialects from South Sudan and lasted over an hour. Once the prayer was over, these refugees from South Sudan took a collection. Though they are refugees from one of the poorest countries in the world, they gave what amounted to $11 for Barry to give to support their brothers and sisters in Ukraine.
And we have faith that God will take those $11 dollars and bring glory to His kingdom.
As we continue to distribute funds, we aim to keep the Ukrainian Christians and Ukrainian churches supplied not only with their own needs but with enough that they may continue to be light, to offer hope and refuge for any that are in need. An update from Dema with Let's Love highlighted a preacher who provides refuge in their church building. A group of Muslims who were fleeing asked if they could stay for one night. The church opened its doors to them and shared the love of Christ. Our hope and prayer are that God will continue to use his servants to provide life to those who are hurting so that all may know our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Pictures in this update are from the church in Poltava which has used the money given to supply people with medicine, baby food, diapers, and food. May God continue to use these blessings for His glory.
How to Help
Pray: Continue to pray for an end to this conflict. Pray for the safety and faith of the Ukrainian Christians. Pray also for the guilt of those who have escaped the danger and suffer along with those who are still hiding. Pray especially for the Christians sheltering in the church in Mariupol. There has not been much contact with them in the past few weeks.