Crisis in Ukraine: How Can You Help?

            We thank our Cross Culture family for the prayers and concern expressed for the people of Eastern Ukraine during this time of crisis. Since Sunday, July 27^th, there has been shelling in Gorlovka with civilian deaths. To our knowledge no one in our church family has been wounded or killed. Most of our church family has fled the city, but several of our church family and many of our neighbors are still in Gorlovka. The situation is tense and it may be days before there is any resolution in Gorlovka. Please keep praying for the people there.   

            Due to the fighting in Eastern Ukraine there are many refugees fleeing to Kiev and surrounding cities. One place that is assisting in the placement of refugees is Jeremiah’s Hope, run by Andrew and Jenny Kelly. (Visit on Facebook by searching “Jeremiah’s Hope” or visit their website here: http://www.jeremiahshope.org).  Since May 8^th they have been providing shelter, food and care for refugees from Eastern Ukraine in their facility north of Kiev. We are greatly encouraged by their work on behalf of these refugees and want to partner with them. We are asking for those of you who support Cross Culture and the Payne family to consider making a donation to Jeremiah’s Hope for the express purpose of helping refugees from Eastern Ukraine. You can donate directly to Jeremiah’s Hope by mailing your donation here: Jeremiah’s Hope Inc. PO Box 3411 Abilene, TX 79604-3411  Or you can give on-line here: Make a Donation to Jeremiahs Hope, Inc.

            If you prefer you can make a donation to Cross Culture, Inc. P. O. Box 505 Luverne, AL 36049 and we will forward it to Jeremiah’s Hope. They are housing and providing care for more than 75 refugees. Most refugees come with no or few supplies.  

            Here is a story from Andrew on Tuesday, July 29, 2014: A babushka called us from the Kyiv train station a few hours ago. She asked if we had a place for her to stay. A refugee from Donetsk. We called our families we have placed in apartments and found one of our families who will squeeze her in. We called her, she has just been sitting on a bench at the train station for several hours waiting for us to call her back. We are sending a car to go get her. Jenny is crying as we write this, if she is sitting and waiting, then how many more are worse off? May God continue to show us how we can serve the refugees flooding out of Donetsk and Lugansk.

            Please continue praying for the people of Ukraine, but if you also want to give material support then please consider joining us in supporting Jeremiah’s Hope. We hope to raise $20,000 in the next couple of weeks for the care of refugees. Your help will be greatly appreciated and will make a difference in the lives of many people.