Today’s post is written by Diane, EPD international worker
In January, the threat of a possible war between Russia and Ukraine suddenly became real.
Some teams quickly left, hoping it was a temporary withdrawal. My team stayed put, updating our contingency plans and meeting frequently to assess the situation and debrief our whirlwind of emotions.
But when European countries began shutting down their airspace to flights, our workers made the decision to go. I left my city on March 2 with my two teammates. We left our apartments intact, ready for our return, and took one to two suitcases with us. We had hope that the war would be short and that negotiations would bring a quick end to hostilities.
As the months went by, that hope came to an end. In May, our Eastern European teams met with Alliance leaders for debriefing and planning for the future. Although we desired to return, it didn’t seem realistic for most of us. Today some are being redeployed to different locations, some may eventually return, and a couple of us have chosen to move on to different ministries.
As for me, I was offered a job as a Regional Bookkeeper for Alliance Missions. When it became clear that our team would not be returning to our city, I made the hard choice to accept the job of Regional Bookkeeper and end my time as an International Worker. I’ll be living in South Carolina, where I can also help care for my parents.
I never expected my time as an international worker to end this way—suddenly and without closure. It’s been a hard few months as we’ve worked through our grief while trying to keep in touch with people that we love. A dear friend and colleague packed up my apartment for me and helped me find new homes for all my things, except for one final suitcase that she sent my way. Videoing with her on WhatsApp during that process was an interesting time and a reminder that people and relationships are a thousand times more important than things.
I’m grateful for the years that Eastern Europe was my home, for the many friends and colleagues that have played such an important part in my life, and for the amazing ministries I’ve been a part of. I’m encouraged that The Alliance is letting me support the Project Compassionate Ministries in Eastern Europe for the next year. This ministry helps meet the physical needs of many marginalized people, especially orphans, widows, and children with disabilities. We provide items like medical help, groceries, food, school supplies, and firewood.
I’m so grateful to those in the US, especially from the Eastern PA District, who have provided prayer and financial support over the years for me and my ministry. Thank you!
Here are some ways you can continue to pray:
- Pray for peace. Pray for those on both sides of the border, especially the innocent ones who are suffering. Pray for the churches on both sides of the border who are continuing to share the Gospel while also reaching out to people in need.
- Please pray for N and V, who lead the compassionate ministry and frequently have the hard job of choosing who needs resources the most. Pray for N, who has heart issues.
Here’s how you can give to Compassionate Ministries:
- You can send a check to the Alliance or through your local Alliance church, marked for “Compassionate Ministries in Eastern Europe.”
- You can give online by going to https://secure.cmalliance.org/give/. Choose the box “a project you love” and type in “Compassionate Ministries in Eastern Europe.”