Disrupted Christmas at a Bomb Shelter

From reports in the Odesa media and also the Ukraine official media outlet the invading forces are scanning social media for information confirming results of there attacks and to adjust their tactics. They have also been posing as representatives of foreign media for the same purpose. With this in mind we will not publish on the website photographs that either identify people or locations, similarly towns, other than those regularly mentioned by the media will not be named. Some names have also been changed in this report.

If you receive a direct copy of our news letters please do not re-publish any part to social media. Thank you for your understanding.

A Christmas of Courage: The House of Hope

Our main leaders at the House of Hope faced challenges that would have crushed most in the war-torn outskirts of Odessa. Yet, in the face of relentless shelling and curfews, they held fast to one mission: bringing hope to children who had lost so much. Their plan for Christmas was ambitious and risky. They wanted to host a celebration for 300 children—orphans, street kids, and those left destitute by the war. The odds were against them. Mass gatherings were forbidden, and the ever- present danger of attack lingered in the air. Still, they pressed forward with determination. They worked tirelessly leading up to the celebration. They navigated treacherous back roads in their van each morning, picking up meagre supplies. The streets were fraught with danger; soldiers manned checkpoints and every distant echo of gunfire reminded him of the fragility of their mission.

They poured their energy into transforming their limited resources into something magical. They repaired tattered toys, patched clothes, and strung makeshift decorations from scraps together. “It doesn’t need to be grand,” they said. “It just needs to be filled with love.”
The day of the celebration dawned cold and grey, but the children came in staggered groups so as not to attract attention. Despite the looming threat of shelling, their excitement was very evident. Other friends volunteered to help, including one old man who put on a St. Nicholas costume, bringing squeals of joy from the children. Another friend led games while others handed out food and warm drinks. The fear and hunger that was evident in the children, melted away for a few precious hours.

But joy in a war zone is fragile. Halfway through the celebration, the wail of another air raid siren shattered the moment. The volunteers sprang into action, gathering the children and rushing them into the basement. In the dim, fortified basement, one of the volunteers began singing. Soon, the children started to sing, their voices rising above the fear in a chorus of hope. As the celebration came to an end, a young girl came forward, clutching a small doll she had received. “This is the best day ever,” she said, her eyes shining with gratitude. One leader said, “You deserve all the happiness in the world.”

After the last group of children had been escorted home, our workers stood in the now-quiet shelter. The were exhausted but they were grateful they had done it for the children. Despite the odds and fear, they had created a moment of light in the darkness of the war. They had hosted and encouraged 350 children. In the days that followed, their efforts inspired others. Donations of food, clothes, and supplies began to trickle in, left anonymously at the door by poor people wanting to help the children. The Christmas celebration became a symbol of resilience, a reminder that kindness and courage could prevail even in the face of war.

Odessa in Winter: A Nation on the Brink

The Odessa region, like much of Ukraine, has endured unimaginable suffering over the past three years. Air raid sirens wail with relentless frequency—814 alerts were recorded in 2024 alone, bringing the total to a staggering 1,828 since the full-scale invasion began. Each siren cuts through the air like a blade, sending families scrambling for basements and shelters, their hearts pounding with fear. It’s a sound that is a grim reminder that nowhere is truly safe. (Intent Press). As if the unending war wasn’t enough, Ukraine now faces an unprecedented cold wave. Temperatures have plunged to -20°C, turning an already dire situation into a fight for survival.
And yet, in the midst of this darkness, there are flickers of light. Over the past months, we have reached so many families, bringing them food, medicines, blankets, and the warmth of human connection. For some, this is their first glimpse of hope in months. Alina, a mother sheltering with her two children, shared how the sirens leave her children trembling in terror. “They ask me if it will ever stop,” she said, tears streaming down her face. “We don’t know how to answer.” But in our prayers together, she found a moment of peace amid the chaos.

The war may one day end, but its wounds may take decades to heal. The buildings may be rebuilt, but who will rebuild the broken hearts and minds? The scars of this conflict run deep—deeper than the rubble-strewn streets or the shattered homes, but all things are possible through Jesus.

Trip to Røros: A Touching Weekend of Outreach

Sasha, our manager in Norway writes ~

Nestled amid the snow-covered mountains of central Norway, Røros is a picturesque, small city. Yet, beneath its quaint façade lies a community grappling with significant challenges. Over 200 Ukrainian refugees have been relocated to Røros, a number that is overwhelming in such a small and isolated place. Many of these individuals face the dual burden of cultural shock and the lingering effects of PTSD. This past weekend was the second time we travelled to Røros, four hours south-east of Trondheim toward the Swedish border, to extend our support to the Ukrainian refugees. The icy roads were hazardous, but our reliable old Volvo and our Mission Van (a VW Transporter) coped with the slippery roads.

Upon arrival, we walked the streets engaging in conversations with Ukrainians we encountered. Their stories were heart-wrenching, yet their resilience was evident. Later, we gathered in a local facility known as the Elderly House that became the focal point of our outreach efforts. The gathering was remarkable, not only for the number of Ukrainians who attended but also because they brought along other refugees, including people from Africa whom they had met in their language courses. The diversity in the room was a testament to the unifying power of shared experiences and mutual support. Among those we met was Ivan from B---------- in Ukraine to the east of Kiev. He had come with his wife and their two small children. Ivan shared that he had never been to church before and had never encountered Christians. Yet, he said something profoundly moving: if being sent to Røros was ultimately so he could meet God, then all the hardship was worth it. His words encapsulated the deep spiritual impact of our mission and the hope it inspired.

The discussions we had during the gathering were amazing. Many expressed their gratitude for our visit and shared how much these moments of connection meant to them. They asked us to return. It was a reminder of the importance of being present and offering support, even in the simplest of ways. We left Røros with a renewed sense of purpose and a plan for the next step: initiating the Venture into God’s Word programme (in Russian). This course aims to provide spiritual nourishment and guidance, offering a deeper sense of community and hope for those navigating challenging times. We also plan to return with Bibles to distribute, ensuring that those like Ivan and his family can continue to explore and grow in their newfound faith. This weekend’s trip to Røros was more than just a mission; it was a reminder of the power of compassion and connection. As we prepare for the next phase of our outreach, we hold the people of Røros—Ukrainian and other refugees—close to our hearts, praying for warmth, comfort, and a brighter future.

Budget for this season

Thank you for the encouragement you are to us, and thousands of needy people through us. Please continue to stand with us in prayer and support for these needs.
Yours in the Spirit of Rescue,

           Dave and Margurita

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