Dear Readers,
If you read last month’s Letter from the Editor, you may be wondering what’s been happening with the House of James ministry and children’s homes in Ukraine. Here’s an update from Sean Johnson:
Through our friends/partners, well over 1,000 people who were escaping Russian attacks have been housed and fed through their journeys heading west for safety towards Moldova and the EU. Between House of James 1 and 2, over 100 people have been housed and fed as well! Much food and fuel have been stored up for House of James 1 and 3. Since House of James 2 evacuated, they have gotten settled in their temporary housing, purchased clothing and are receiving medical care in the Czech Republic. My wife and I were blessed to able to personally assist around 20 adults and 20 kids in evacuating from Ukraine into Moldova, Poland and the Czech Republic in the past 2 weeks. Plus our personal home in Vinnitsa, Ukraine is being used as a safe haven for several people. All this was possible thanks to so many of you who have sacrificed and prayed! We are so grateful for all of you! Please know that your giving and prayers have inspired and encouraged us in so many ways! Thank you! Of course the work to care for our children and for the refugees still continues. So the need is still great! Please continue to pray and share our needs with others! We provide multiple ways for people to give (credit/debit cards, Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, PayPal and by check/money orders). All the ways to give are provided on our website. Please see link below. https://houseofjames.org/ways-to-give
For those of us living comfortably at home and going about our daily business, it can be hard to imagine what it’s like over there in the middle of a war zone. Actually knowing someone who’s experiencing the situation first-hand helps to put things in perspective. (That’s one benefit of social media!)
Sean’s father- and mother-in-law survived the bombings in Mariupol, but they are still trapped behind Russian lines. His sister- and brother-in-law Marina and Roma and their 8-month-old baby Christian are gradually working their way across the country toward a safe city in a small car. But it’s been a harrowing ordeal, and they’ve had to pay up to $50/gallon for gasoline – if they’re lucky enough to find any!
Sean Johnson has been active on social media and even on the news including NBC and FOX. The news videos can be seen on the House of James website:
https://houseofjames.org
(One of the reporters misspoke, saying Sean’s in-laws are in Kiev, but they’re actually in Mariupol.)
For the most up-to-date reports, follow Sean Johnson on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/sean.johnson.9822
To donate, go to: https://houseofjames.org/ways-to-give
You will be directly helping real people on the front lines! AND it’s tax-deductible!
Let’s keep the Ukrainian people in our prayers as we celebrate Easter this year. I’m well aware that future hope doesn’t erase current grief, sorrow, or separation. But in the midst of all the destruction, turmoil, pain and suffering in the world, Spring still arrives to signify life, renewal, and hope even in hard times. As we see leaves budding, flowers blossoming, eggs hatching, and baby bunnies hopping, it’s like we are witnessing the miracles of Creation firsthand, a reminder that God can make all things new again.
Blessings to you and your family!
