NEW STAFF & YOUTH cAMP IN UKRAINE

UKRAINE'S CHILDREN LIVING WITH THE HORRORS OF WAR

The horrors of war and the relentless brutality of a deranged enemy are leaving scars that will never be forgotten in Ukraine.

Daily attacks from the skies, sirens, explosions, collapsing buildings, the rumble and clank of tanks and heavy artillery are real and continue to echo in the minds of children in their nightmares as they wrestle with sleep. Mission 823's focus is at-risk and traumatized children and they need you now more than ever before! Prayerfully consider joining us in the fight to save Ukraine's children.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR YOUTH CAMPS FOR UKRAINE'S CHILDREN

WELCOME OUR NEW STAFF MEMBER

The ongoing humanitarian crises and the growing pain and suffering of children in Ukraine demands that we accomplish more, adapt quickly and maximize our efficiency to reach our challenging goals. We absolutely must expand our team with the brightest and the best and we'd like to introduce you to our new staff member with Mission 823 here in the States.

Brittni Austin didn't want to come to Ukraine when she made her first trip, and now, we can't think of anyone who is more passionate about the kids of Ukraine or a more enthusiastic advocate for Mission 823. The wife of Pastor McCauley Austin of Friendswood Baptist Church in Texas, Brittni has been to Ukraine multiple times, maintains relationships with the kids in Ukraine and has raised thousands of dollars for the work of our organization. Brittni will be serving as our Marketing and Development Director, spearheading fundraising, social media, event planning and much more! Reach out to Brittni with all of your amazing and creative ideas about how to support the children of Ukraine. Her email address is: brittni@mission823.com. 

UKRAINE'S CHILDREN ON THE COVER OF TIME MAGAZINE

Children should never have to experience war crimes, torture, imprisonment, executions or abuse by enemy soldiers. But these are the terrors that the children of Yahidne endured and are continuing to battle every day.

Their village was destroyed and occupied by Russian forces who used their captivity in the basement of the local school as a human shield for their military headquarters. Death and darkness, no oxygen to breathe, very little food and water . . . 360 people were crammed into small rooms where many of the sick and elderly died all around them. You can read their story in the February 27 - March 6 issue of TIME Magazine. 

Shortly after their liberation by Ukrainian forces, these precious children came to one of our camps in the Carpathian region of Ukraine with their parents. We have since developed an amazing relationship with the people of this tiny village and frequently visit to provide ongoing support. They returned to visit our camp again this month to continue our trauma counseling sessions for kids with PTSD. Please keep these precious ones (pictured below) in your prayers. 

This is not an isolated incidence. It is estimated that more than one-third of all Ukrainians are experiencing life-altering effects of PTSD and other forms of war-related trauma. Many of these are children.

In order to improve our response, increase our capabilities, and provide a 5-star experience for traumatized children, we are making improvements to our facilities to make them as comfortable, soothing, and therapeutic as possible for our guests. Improvements include a commercial kitchen, dining hall, new boat dock, an additional laundry facility, and a much-needed Nurse's Station.

We currently have five back-to-back trauma-informed camps planned for hundreds of children at our facilities this summer/fall. If you would like to sponsor a camp for these children, you can give here.

HUMANITARIAN CRISIS

A mind-boggling humanitarian crisis continues as residential areas are attacked daily and many communities remain under Russian occupation. Without heat, electricity, food, water, and basic medical care, millions of Ukrainians are suffering in isolation under rocket and artillery fire every day.

Mission 823 teams, in partnership with a nationwide network of organizations, are performing evacuations and delivering humanitarian supplies to meet these urgent needs.

MAX NEEDS YOUR HELP!

Our dear friend, Max, needs your help. Max is an extraordinarily talented artist, a quadriplegic who paints and draws beautifully using only his mouth. Since the full-scale Russian invasion, Max has been unable to work, and he and his aging and sickly parents depend on his income.

We would love to provide relief and support for Max until his family can regain some stability. If you would like to help support Max, click "Donate," and designate your gift "Max." 100% of your gift will be delivered directly to his family.

A Message of Hope and Resilience: Standing with the People of Ukraine

The people of Ukraine are resilient, gracious, generous and hospitable people. Under the worst of circumstances, mostly fighting this war completely alone, they have a positive outlook and a bright spirit. We know that we will win this war and we will rebuild lives and homes. Please continue to lift up Ukraine and Mission 823 in prayer as we do our best to demonstrate the love of Christ everywhere we go. #iam823