A need for helping hands for Ukrainian refugees has reached beyond the bordering nations to the rest of Europe. In some cases, help has come from far overseas.
OC workers are helping in whatever way the Lord shows them, from encouragement and counseling to opening their homes.
In Italy
Mihai, an OC mission worker in Italy, received a call from friend in the Italian Evangelical Alliance. Four Ukrainian refugees, and their two little dogs, needed a place to stay – that night. Mihai sprang into action, making his home a welcoming place.
He reached out to neighbors in his building, and they answered by providing a reserved parking place, food, support, and encouragement. As Mihai opened his home, he also showed the love of Christ. Not only to those who needed a place to stay, but to his neighbors as well.
Another Ukrainian family is in the city of Genova, Italy, for a year to receive medical treatment for their 4-year-old son. Mihai’s church has helped this family find an apartment and get settled into life in the city. Along with their church, Mihai and his wife, Tammy, are coming alongside this young family, offering friendship, prayer, and a listening ear.
From Asia
Tony and his family live in Southeast Asia and have a friend there who is from Ukraine. As she kept them up to date on the war and the needs arising, the Holy Spirit stirred in Tony’s heart. He hoped that his basic Russian skill and experience with trauma relief counseling could be of use at the Ukraine/Poland border. So, he reached out to friends and connections, and Reach Global was able to provide opportunities for Tony to serve.
Tony worked in many areas, but the main area of ministry was giving much-needed rest to pastors and others who have been serving nonstop since the beginning of the war. He preached, led the youth group, taught an ESL class, and worked on a farm. Whatever would be of help.
The church Tony connected with is a station for those who are driving vans back and forth across the Polish/Ukrainian border filled with medical supplies and food. More vans are needed to get the supplies across, and Tony is partnering with workers in Poland to raise funds.
Now back in Asia, Tony is hoping to continue to mentor and encourage two Polish pastors and one Ukrainian pastor whom he spent significant time with while serving on the ground in Poland.
In Spain
Ten42, or Diez42 in Spanish, is a community center in Málaga, Spain. It exists to meet the needs of the community, and often serves immigrant and refugee families. As of 2022, 35 different nationalities have been served at the community center.
In March, the Spanish government designated Málaga to be one of four places where Ukrainian refugees would be located. The doors of Ten42 are open to receive. Two Ukrainian women have been helping at the center, one who speaks fluent English and the other who speaks very good Spanish. They are not believers but have been helping on a regular basis. The woman who speaks Spanish said she is thankful she can direct Ukrainians on the street asking for help to Ten42.
There is a need for a Ukrainian/English or Spanish speaking family counselor. Mothers and small children are showing up at Ten42 and are asking for help with dealing with the trauma.
Prayer is needed to fulfill this specific requirement. Pray also that Ten42 will be able to respond all the needs with the love of Jesus.
Pray with One Challenge
- Pray for an end of the war and that Ukrainians may safely return home.
- Pray for those across Europe who are helping address the needs of refugees.
- Pray the Lord would capture the hearts of the two Ukrainian women helping at Ten42.
- Pray for the One Challenge workers who are serving this immediate need.
- Pray for funding for supplies, vans, and gas to deliver the supplies to those in need.
- Pray for a counselor to join the team at Ten42.
Holistic Ministry One Challenge is an international agency committed to bringing God’s transforming love and hope to all people. We identify and work to meet the physical, emotional, and social needs of individuals and communities, providing opportunities for deeper level relationships and deeper levels of change. These ministries include education, medical services, food & supplies, agricultural development, community development, and small business mentoring … helping local people to build a healthy community for those there or passing through.
