PENDER SUPPORTED MISSIONARIES UPDATE -
One of Pender's missionaries serving with CRU shares the following report.
"We are saddened by the events in Ukraine. Over 120 CRU staff members live there, some with young children are attempting to leave the country. Some are trying to move further west out of danger, while others are forced to separate when a family member is drafted into the military. As of March 9 Cru had 84 staff still in Ukraine and 43 who have been safely evacuated to neighboring countries. Most staff still in Ukraine have been able to relocate to safer locations, however, no location is very safe at this time. Please pray that they can get to even safer locations.
We receive daily updates from our overseas staff; below are a couple of noteworthy ones. Ann(not her real name) left her home near Kyiv and make it safely to her destination in a more western city. She wrote: "Today I thought that there are so few things in this world that I can call my own. Laptop, glasses, phone, perfume, which I recently bought for my birthday, this is one of the most valuable things I was able to take with me. Everything else: socks, t-shirt, hand cream, shoes, jacket, slippers, towel, I received from others and can easily leave when I leave. I don't know if my house is still standing. Sometimes I remember my cups made of Boleslaw porcelain, my Carpathian teas with thyme and raspberries, flowered wallpaper. How little does a person need on this earth? How little? Just safety, warmth, and some food. I am learning to be grateful, I am learning like Paul 'to be content in all circumstances.' Phil 4:11. And for some reason I always want to listen to Okean Elzy! I've never been a fan of them, but here I am ...Hug me, God, and don't let go. Because it hurts a lot."
Our staff have many opportunities to volunteer to help others in various ways on a daily basis. Lee (not his real name) took 12 people to Western Ukraine. He had the opportunity to have gospel conversations with them as it is now very natural for unbelievers to pray and talk about God.
