November 2024 – You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden…. Verse16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds….” Matthew 5:14-16 paraphrased
Jesus is the light of the world, however, here He tells us that we are the light of the world. He says to “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds.” He is talking about His light shining through us in our good deeds. With your help, pray that His light shines through as we serve families in need.
“Jeff, when you come to Kosovo, would you share with the sponsored families how you started the ministry here? Pastor Urim asked. It has been 25 years since the war in Kosovo, and we think they will be really encouraged.”
In our meeting with the families, I was the one who was encouraged. The 20 sponsored families in Kosovo mostly come from a Muslim background and don’t always come to church. However, as I shared about how God loves and cares for them through their sponsors, and through the local church, they were so happy and grateful.
One mother asked me, “We are thankful for our sponsors, but we would like to start a baking business to help support ourselves. What would our sponsors think of that?”
Sponsor A FamilyThey will love that idea, I said enthusiastically. Urim said he would follow up on this and the 3 moms beamed with hope thinking about providing for their families. The gospel message of hope and the love of Christ is slowly transcending the Muslim culture there. Pray for our church planters, Urim and his wife Teuta, as they faithfully shine the light of Christ.
Our Firewood Christmas Project
Families in Kosovo and Ukraine will receive much needed firewood this year. Firewood deliveries have already started as families need to chop and stack their wood before snowfall. This is difficult for single moms and widows who need extra help. We have stepped out in faith again to take advantage of better prices for wood in October. Staying warm during winter is so important and we are excited to help. Thank you!
$250 Per Family in Kosovo = $5000 For Firewood
$300 Per Family in Ukraine = $9000 For Firewood
Sponsorship For Christmas
This grandmother in Malisheve, Kosovo is taking care of her daughter and grandchildren. Her daughter suffered a terrible auto accident and her husband died. She and the children survived, but their mother is now emotionally and mentally disabled, incapable of caring for her children. The grandma, who does all the talking, walks with difficulty but does not complain. With no man in the family to provide for them, they survive with the help of MP sponsors.
It costs $29 month to sponsor a family like the Musaj family.
They need 3 sponsors ($87 mo) to fulfill their sponsorship and receive groceries each month. It would be an amazing Christmas gift to sponsor a needy family like this in Kosovo or Ukraine!
A Letter From the Lubov Family In Ukraine
They have a 9-year-old autistic son and have now taken in 2 girls in need of a safe home. They still need 2 more sponsors @ $29 mo.
“Our family is very grateful for your support. Our child has a disability, but thanks to your support and prayers, we live and do not give up. Our son is a great blessing to us. We see how Jesus teaches us, through him, to love God and help others.
In early June, a single mother with many children from Donbas came to our church. They evacuated from under heavy shelling. We realized that the mother was regularly abusing alcohol , and social services warned her about removing her children. She went to a rehab center and we took the children into our care. Two little girls, 6-year-old Dasha and 7-year-old Sabina, burst into our lives like a strong wind. Our family order was disrupted as rules were new for these girls. Pray for strength for our family that we can serve Him and serve others.”
Shining A Light So Others Will See His Light In Us
Our lives are to be a reflection of His light and love, and that is our focus this Christmas Season. The Lubov family is doing that in Ukraine. From providing firewood to keep families warm, to a Winter Camp for teenagers, to small power banks to use during power outages, with your help we will together give gifts and shine the light of God’s love.
We are thankful for you, our friends, donors, and prayer warriors, who make it possible to help so many families and children in Jesus name. Thank you for standing with us. Our Nesting Doll Store is now open so be sure to grab one before they sell out! Have a Happy Thanksgiving with your family.