Volunteers of the Initiative #ICare gave warmth, hope and Christmas gifts to the displaced children who are living now in Kyiv. The ministers of Grace Church in Melitopol, who were forced to leave their hometown because of the war and settled in the capital, with the support of Mission Eurasia, organized a festive event for the displaced children. This Christmas celebration was a continuation of the old tradition of the Grace Church to hold children's events for the residents of Melitopol.
After the Russian occupants seized the church building in Melitopol and drove the ministers out of the city, some of them moved to Kyiv. Even in new conditions, their dream to serve the children who are going through the same difficulties as they are was fulfilled. The friendly team through the project #GiveHadiya. donated 50 Christmas gifts to the children, and the Transfiguration Church in Kyiv kindly gave the rooms for the celebration.
Both children from the church and immigrants took part in the show. For many families it was a great experience, because among the immigrants there were also those who used to serve in Melitopol, such as the headmistress of the Sunday school, Victoria, and Pastor Igor, who now together with others help the displaced children in Kyiv.
For the children of Melitopol, who had never visited the church before, and their parents, this event, organized in the "tough conditions" of the rented rooms, became an adventure. For the first time they came to the church and met there the same immigrants as themselves, even from their native Melitopol. This reinforces the power of Christian hope and unity, which helps to overcome any difficulties. These people, having hope in Christ, were ready to share it with others, even in difficult conditions of exile.
We hope that one day these children will return to their native Melitopol and visit their church "Grace". But for now we continue to pray for their return and serve God wherever possible.
Thank God for the gifts donated through the project. #GiveHadiya.They truly become a symbol of hope for people in the worst of circumstances. Our servants continue to serve their city even hundreds of kilometres away from home, without losing faith and hope for return!
