If you didn’t have a chance to read our last blog, we’re currently raising money with our local Ukrainian church to help support a man named Taras who is feeding the hungry people trapped in war-zones in eastern Ukraine.
Every day Taras posts new pictures of the people that are receiving what is literally the bread of life. He said in one post, “Some people come and wait for a couple of hours before the bread distribution, and waiting their turn they’re afraid that there might not be enough (it is only for one loaf of bread)… God save us, that we are in such circumstances.”
Just $10 can buy 60-65 loaves of bread for these people who otherwise have nothing. That’s at least 60 people who will eat that otherwise wouldn’t.
Some of the people in eastern Ukraine who are left without food are too old or disabled and can’t wait in the lines to get bread from Taras and his ministry team. So they bring the bread and groceries to them. Taras says, “Our brothers and sisters have visited many sick and disabled people who live in these conditions, brought them food, warmed with a kind word and prayer.”
Your $30 donation can make at least 30 bags of groceries with bread, flour, macaroni, instant soups and other non-perishables to feed the hungry, elderly and disabled in eastern Ukraine.
Feeding the hungry in the villages of eastern Ukraine. “Our brothers and sisters again visited the village, where they handed out bread, food parcels, Christian calendars and newspapers. People here know our church, and are waiting for us. They are happy and thankful to take fresh bread. I’m sorry for them, sorry for the children, because many go to waste heaps and collect coal to somehow feed their family. I want to help them more, but options are limited. Sometimes you look at the glowing eyes when you give a loaf of bread, and you think, it’s just a loaf of bread. My heart is torn by grief.”
Your $10 can buy 30 kg (about 66 pounds) of dry pasta. $20 can buy 70kg (152 pounds) of flour. $30 can buy 180-195 loaves of bread.
Temperatures in Ukraine are freezing this time of year. Many places in eastern Ukraine don’t have any heat, or access to food. One of the life-saving food items Taras’ team is passing out is packets of instant soup, and Mivina (much like Top Ramen noodles). He says, “Several children received Mivina immediately opened and began to eat. Why they do so – is not difficult to guess.”
$10 can buy 125 packs of instant soup. $20 can buy 250 packs. $30 can buy 375. You can do the math further and see how far a few bucks can stretch to bring food to hungry families, children, and elderly in eastern Ukraine.
The dollar/hryvnia rate fluctuates daily and the cost of food items changes as often. But Taras and his team purchase what they can to help people. Sometimes up to 500 people wait in line for bread or a pack of groceries. He says, “People continue to contact us by phone, via the Internet, go to church in requests for help – at least something.” “This woman cried when I brought her help. Seven months without a pension, and it seems that everything is forgotten. But God sent her younger sisters from the church with groceries. She could not hold back tears.”
Think about what 10 bucks can do. Just $10 can buy 30kg of macaroni, 35kg of flour, 65 loaves of bread, or 125 instant soup mixes. Double your donation, double the people it feeds.
Please use the Donate button below to help. Donations by check can also be sent to PO Box 1148, Oakley, CA 94561.