The Darkness Around You Will Be As Bright As Noon
Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. Isaiah 58:10
Last winter in Ukraine the power was out regularly and evenings were dark and cold. When there is no light the night seems much longer. At a friends house near Kyiv, we discussed running the generator, but that was expensive. Thus, we built a fire in the fireplace for both warmth and light.
The next day we got up early, in the darkness and snow, and drove to the Kherson region in the south of Ukraine. A 40’ truck filled with firewood arrived and volunteers began to unload it. A few grandmothers, bundled up in scarves, hats, gloves and jackets, patiently waited in the cold for their firewood. One of them looked at me, laughed because she couldn’t speak English, and then began to cry. “Thank you for all you do for us,” she said.
Her darkness became light, “as bright as noon.” Your support of Mercy Projects touched lives with the light and love of Jesus.
Nesting Dolls Are Still Available
Our 11 grandkids love the nesting dolls and we love the creativity. A big thank you to Calvary Murrieta, Calvary Spokane, and others for your generous support of the “doll ministry!” Doll sales generated $24,000 of support for projects in Ukraine. And instead of giving aid, we could employ people. Thanks again for buying dolls!
Summer Camp: A Highlight
This summer we held a camp on the Black Sea coast in the Republic of Georgia. A group of Ukrainian orphans attended the camp. Their director Natalia is a courageous woman who rescued these children after being abducted by Russian forces. They escaped miraculously from Russia into Georgia and are still there today. Our highlight was their transformation. They arrived fearful and uncertain. By the end of our time together, we all shed tears of joy.
Finishing Strong
Paula and I are so grateful for your prayers and support. Our friends in Ukraine need your prayers for safety as missile attacks continue. As we approach this end of 2023, we hope to support them strongly as they distribute jackets, firewood, bedding and blankets to those in need.
Have a Merry Christmas and thank you for standing with us!