Our ministry this month serving with Hope Church has been incredible. We had an amazing opportunity to support and care for Ukrainian refugees affected by the war in Ukraine. My team and I were able to help our host Raul in assisting in any kind of way to help the Ukrainians. It has been such a blessing to help them and make them feel welcomed, comfortable and cared for. 

I was able to see God at work so much here in Craiova. God has provided Hope Church with so many supplies and donations such as perishable and non perishable food items, toiletries, toys, bedding and clothes. We are so grateful that the community, hotels and food banks donated many things. We were able to help by taking inventory and sort through the items to be taken to the border or to the Ukrainians staying here short term and long term. It is such a blessing to see many organizations and people coming together to give and donate. 

Thanks to financial donations Hope church was able to rent four houses. The ministry was able to provide housing for Ukrainians staying long term and short term. So we were able to help by cleaning the houses, make beds and getting everything prepared for them to move in. We also had the chance to serve the Ukrainians by some times preparing and cooking meals or delivering food to them at the rental houses. 

Raul and his team has also been traveling to the border to pick up several Ukrainians, as well as taking them to their desired destinations in Western Europe. It has been a blessing that there is transportation provided for them. We also helped with loading the vans for humanitarian convoys with goods and supplies being sent to various cities in Ukraine. 

One afternoon we were able to organize games for the Ukrainian children who are staying here in Craiova. They played duck duck goose, musical chairs, and freeze dance. We also showed some Ukrainian cartoons on the projector for the children. It was a special moment seeing the children smiling, laughing and having a good time. It was an afternoon filled with so much joy and laughter. 

We also had a chance to do fun things with Ukrainian families such as going to the park, zoo and take them shopping. I’ve really enjoyed spending time with them, hearing their stories and getting to know them.

We had an awesome opportunity to take part in organizing a surprise birthday party for one of the Ukrainian girls. She was so excited and filled with a lot of joy. It was very rewarding to be able to throw her a surprise birthday party and seeing the children having so much fun. The presence of God was filled in the room and everyone was having a great time. 

Serving at Hope Church Romania has been so rewarding. I’ve really enjoyed being here and bringing hope and peace to Ukrainians during this time. God has been working in powerful ways through this ministry. Hope church has helped over 300 Ukrainian refugees with transport, food, accommodations and words of encouragement. They have been blessed with many prayers, donations and financial support. It has been an honor and privilege to serve alongside Raul and his team in bringing hope and sharing God’s love to our Ukrainian friends and that we can be a light in this world.