WAR IN UKRAINE - MORE THAN PHYSICAL PAIN
Hundreds of thousands of homes destroyed, entire cities flattened, millions displaced, tens of thousands dead, and the prospect of decades of reconstruction ahead all paint a true and costly picture for Ukrainians. But the most critical pain is not physical or financial, but emotional, psychological and spiritual. The torment of "why" is a ghost that will haunt millions of people for the rest of their lives.
"A year of relentless Russian bombing, air raid sirens and displacement are taking a heavy toll on Ukrainian's mental health. The big picture: The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 10 million Ukrainians may be suffering from mental health conditions like depression or anxiety (PTSD). The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) estimates that 1.5 million children are at risk of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions." (AXIOS.com)
TRAUMA CAMPS FOR KIDS
Mission 823 has made therapy and recovery from PTSD in children a Tier 1 priority and we are taking steps to scale our treatment programs and specialized youth camps with volunteers and elements that will address the unique needs of kids affected by the horrors of war in Ukraine.
Massive upgrades are being completed at our youth camp to accommodate these news services for these traumatized children.
WE CAN'T DO THIS ALONE!
For years we have utilized the generosity and expertise of volunteers who travel with us to work side by side with our Ukrainian teams. Obvious precautions due to the war have limited these short-term mission trips to Ukraine.
But now we are ready to begin taking small teams of hardy workers again to serve as camp counselors at our youth camps designed for traumatized kids. Contact us to indicate your willingness to volunteer to help us with our upcoming camps.
REFUGEES AND FAMILY HOMES
Faith House Family Home in western Ukraine has been home for hundreds of refugee families over the course of the last 15 months of war in Ukraine. At long last, all of those families have found more permanent lodging situations or returned to their homes and Faith House is getting ready to receive children again.
After a quick clean up and some cosmetic repairs, the home will be available for a new adoptive family.
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RECONSTRUCTION HAS BEGUN
In addition to the repairs to our own facilities, Mission 823 teams, thanks to your generosity, have begun to resource the reconstruction of residential homes in areas that have been completely liberated or have minimal air raid activity.
It is estimated that "As a result of the full-scale war against Ukraine that started on 24 February 2022, over 110,000 individual houses and 12,000 apartment buildings have been destroyed or damaged." (Council of Europe). We have a long way to go and need as much help as we can get to help restore the homes of millions of people.
Prayerfully consider a financial gift today that will provide permanent housing for those who have literally lost everything.
CHURCHES IN UKRAINE LEAD THE EFFORT
The church in Ukraine has led the lion's share of the relief and recovery efforts in communities all over Ukraine.
Pastor Yevgeniy in Yaremche, a faithful partner who was tortured in the East before starting a new church in the West, is an amazing example of the grit and determination, humility and sacrifice being demonstrated by churches and pastors all over the country as they serve their people.
Watch this: Video of Pastor Yevgeniy
MISSION 823 TEAMS RESCUE ANOTHER FAMILY
After months of suffering and close-range attacks that repeatedly struck their home in Fedorivka, just 1 kilometer from the front lines, Denys, Vika and their 3 boys were able to escape with our brave team to safety at an undisclosed location farther to the west. One of them told us that a "bullet whizzed by our heads and pierced the refrigerator".
Millions still live under the daily threat and physical danger from the conflict that rages all around them. Unable to escape, with no resources to sustain them long-term, these families are faced with impossible choices. This family was able to find relief, but many are not.
You can watch this video (made by another organization) about their daily life near the frontlines before we were able to help them escape their dangerous situation: Video
ON A LIGHTER NOTE . . . . CORN HOLE COMES TO UKRAINE
Our Mission 823 Ukraine Director, Taras Savchuk, is a Master Carpenter. Shawn recently sent him a set of plans to build these "mystery" boards, which he beautifully created while not understanding the purpose of these strange objects. |
When Shawn arrived in Ukraine with a set of regulation bean bags, the Ukrainian people were awakened to the world of Corn Hole! Heated competition is already underway and we are certain that tournaments will follow, especially at our camps.
Anyone up for a match?
UNTIL OUR LAST BREATH!
The Mission 823 team will continue serving selflessly as long as we have breath in our bodies. Sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ, honoring God with our lives and meeting the needs of those in our communities are core essentials for us and our organization.
Join us today in prayers, in person and with your resources and partner with us to meet the needs of those who are suffering. These are the faces we see and serve every day.
Ask us how you can make a difference by saving a life in Ukraine today!
Please visit Facebook and Instagram pages and You Tube Channel and share them widely. We need a lot more voices and ambassadors actively participating so that we can have the greatest impact for the people of Ukraine.
Thank you and God Bless You!
Shawn and Amy Sullivan
CONTACT INFO:
Shawn - [email protected] - ph: 817-313-3656
Amy - [email protected] - ph: 817-773-4758
Office - [email protected] - ph: 352-432-8587
Website: www.mission823.com
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