What a year it has been for Potential Endeavors. A year ago we were planning our trip to Ukraine in March and preparing for meetings that we would be having, and then February 24th happened. Russia invaded Ukraine and all our plans changed! This is the second time our ministry work has been changed – first was in 2020 with Covid and the impact on travel and now the Russian invasion.
With unexpected world change, our ministry plans had to change with it. 2022 became a year of helping deliver resources to Ukraine to support refugees, churches and pastors who were leading the efforts to help their fellow Ukrainians. We saw friends relocate to the US, others who have had to deal with split families between those who could leave and those who could not, and helping those who chose to stay in Ukraine and fight the evil that was attacking them.
We learned how to move money directly into the accounts of our partners so that they could get the money they needed to help others. We saw an incredible generosity of people across the US who wanted to help Ukraine and provide assistance to those who have been impacted.
As we headed into the winter months, we saw Russia attack the infrastructure of Ukrainian cities forcing the loss of power, heat and water to millions. This brought about a second wave of need to provide generators, furnaces and supplies to provide heating and power in new ways.
Through the course of 2022 through the generosity of so many, we were able to send over $150,000 directly to our partners who are working to provide physical aid to the needy and spiritual care for the many impacted by this war. This aid provided food, generators, medicine, medical supplies and equipment/supplies needed to make the care possible like fuel, transportation, washing machines, etc.
While we love providing assistance for physical needs, the passion of our ministry is to reach the next person for Jesus. Because the churches in Ukraine have become so generous and are being the hands and feet of Jesus to their community, people are making the decision to visit the church and are deciding to follow Jesus. Two stories that I want to share from two pastors that we have worked with over the years and churches that we have visited are below:
From Pasha in Uman: Anatoly, 74 years old. He has never been to Evangelical churches. But, three weeks ago, he crossed the threshold of our church for the first time. He says that he was just walking by the church, and as if someone pushed him to go inside. Interestingly, he once said that he would never go to church in his life. But the circumstances of life made his heart softer. One son died, and the other is now at the front. And here he is. Yesterday, January 1, 2023, Anatoly asked God for forgiveness and accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior!
From Sasha in Kyiv: Yesterday (Christmas), a service dedicated to the birth of Christ was held in the church, 130-150 people attended the service, 30% of whom were visitors. We thank God for the opportunity to testify to people about the good news in these difficult times for Ukraine.
An incredible start to the year!
As we begin 2023, the generosity continues. We received a large donation from a church in South Dakota. These resources are being used to provide humanitarian aid across Ukraine. We have sent money to groups providing care to the people who live in the war zone, to churches who provide weekly food gifts for the refugees who have moved to their area, for generators to allow churches to be hubs to provide power to those who need to recharge their devices, to churches who have had to expand their facilities due to all the new people who have been attending their churches and all of the new ministry work that is needed to be done.
In addition, we have been providing care packages for pastors who have been leading the efforts to provide care for their communities. These care packages are meant as a way to encourage and say thank you to these pastors and their families for all they have done to help others this past year. The package provides basic necessities for the home such as cleaning supplies, food and few treats. In addition, we provide a cash gift that they can use for whatever needs that they may have.
The cost of each care package is $150 and we hope to provide resources for at least 50 packages. These packages are prepared by buying the contents from local Ukrainian businesses so it also helps support the economy and jobs in Ukraine.
If you would like to provide a gift box or several for an Ukrainian pastors to encourage and say thanks for their efforts to care for and share Jesus with their neighbors, you can give a gift through Potential Endeavors. Just note “Care Package” on the donation. You can give at our website Potential Endeavors, or by check made payable to:
Potential Endeavors
840 Aspen Circle, Little Canada, MN 55109.
Thank you for your generosity and prayers over this past year. The gifts of many have made a big impact in the lives of many Ukrainians.