FROM Dr. TOM BENZ
Billingsley, Alabama
After more than twenty-five years of ministry to Ukrainian orphans, both inside Ukraine and by bringing groups of kids to the US, Russia’s invasion has caused us to ‘adjust fire.’ In the opening days of the war, we worked to get children to safety, either in Western Ukraine or to Poland and Romania. We then shifted to ensuring that orphans had adequate food and clothing—in the name of Jesus. Now we assumed a more long-term posture.
In addition to food and clothing, Bridges of Faith sponsors an orphanage for Ukrainian orphans in Romania. Because of the orphanage’s location near Kyiv, it just wasn’t safe. We provided a beautiful rural setting for those children.
This was great, but, from the first day, we saw these kids educationally suffer. Without speaking the Romanian language, there was no opportunity for them. We birthed a school for those orphanage kids and for other area Ukrainian refugee children.
We have begun work in other areas, including assistance to the evangelical ministry in Bucha and other outreaches around Ukraine. Bucha is a city ravaged with horrific atrocities under Russian occupation. Outreaches in two other cities provide essentials for life—food, medicine, etc., all in the name of Jesus.
Because of Thomas Kraus’ (Bridges of Faith Europe’s President) relationships, we are coming alongside the newly created chaplaincy to Ukraine’s men and women in uniform. We have already assisted with training, generators, etc., but we also are working to provide military New Testaments to as many as we can.
We are also working with others to develop treatment for trauma among children and adults as soon as possible. We do all of these things in the name of Jesus, with the goal of introducing the hope of the Gospel to as many a will receive it.
I am humbled by the amazing support of God’s people. Gratefully I say thank you. I know it’s not enough; you have helped us help tens of thousands of Ukrainian orphans through these years. May God grant you His peace and joy this Christmas.
I hope you enjoy these pictures of our work!
Tax deductible gifts to support the ministry may be sent to:
Bridges of Faith
174 County Road 383
Billingsley, AL 36006
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