December – Christmas is always a reminder of God giving us His only son. The birth of Christ was a gift of God to mankind. However, Isaiah 9:6 was a prophecy, written over 700 years before Christ’s birth. At that time, Israel was afraid of invasion. Another writer wrote: “Isaiah spoke into a situation where Judah felt powerless, and they were afraid of the rulers to their north.”
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
This reminds me of the people of Ukraine today. Israel was under a great threat and so is Ukraine. They are vulnerable and worried, the threat to their security and freedom is very real. MP is “giving with a purpose” this Christmas. With your help we will provide winter firewood to 100 families in Ukraine, power banks to charge their phones and small lamps, and share the hope of Christ at our teen winter camp. The most urgent request is for:
Support MP This Christmas1. 
Prayer for an end to the war.
2. Firewood to keep warm and power banks for charging
3. Safety for the kids attending the new Learning Center
4. Boldness as they share Christ at the MP Christmas camp
A Call From Yulia
“Jeff, our families here in Ukraine need firewood and power banks,”
our director Yulia shared. “I know it is practical, but everyone is
asking me for the same thing. We have power outages everyday
and people really need for our help.”
Ukrainians are dealing daily with increasing adversity. Electric power plants have been damaged by missile strikes all over the country. In the midst of air raid sirens, parents drop their kids off at the learning center on their way to work.
Andriy, Yulia’s husband, teaches robotics programming at the learning center. “We get to teach the kids and build relations with the parents,” Yulia said. “Without heat and electricity it would be impossible, but despite the war, God is blessing us,” Andriy said. “We are open everyday.”
An Exciting $4000 Christmas Present Arrived
Then, a few weeks ago, a new (to us) diesel generator showed up at the learning center. The huge generator, sold as surplus by the Dutch military, arrived just in time. We are excited to have electricity!
This huge army generator cost us $4000 and is large enough to power our learning center and the Christian daycare ministry across the way. If you would like to help MP with the generator, this will definitely mean “Giving with A Purpose” keeping the lights on for kids to learn.
Families in Ukraine Survive with Firewood
Last winter I huddled around the fireplace at the home of a Ukrainian pastor. We sat in the dark with no electricity, but stayed warm wearing jackets by the fire. He lives near t
he frontline and we heard a drone flying overhead. The dread of knowing an attack was imminent was stressful. The pastor didn’t worry, he was used to it. He also didn’t ask us for firewood. He wanted poorer families to get it. At midnight we went to sleep. The next morning, a mile from his house, we drove slowly by a destroyed apartment building. Firemen directed traffic. The kamikaze drone strike had been successful.
We quietly drove by, lost in our thoughts and prayers for that family, knowing it could have easily been us. A week ago a drone flew low and fast over Yulia and Andriy’s apartment. Their backdoor surveillance camera caught the drone as it headed toward downtown Kyiv. In the midst of danger, each day they go about their ministry seeking ways to show God’s love and not give up hope themselves.
Your Christmas Support Provides Hope
Thank you for standing with the courageous believers in Ukraine. We hope to bless 100 families with firewood ($30,000) and power banks. ($3000)
A Power Bank = $30
Winter Firewood (1 Family) = $300
Christmas Camp for 65 Teens = $8000
On behalf of the MP team, we are thankful for your prayers and support this Christmas.