Pastor Heero Hacquebord (far left) joins his members in a warehouse as they sort and distribute humanitarian aid brought in by the "Crates for Ukraine" effort.

REAL Support to REAL People in a REAL Situation in Ukraine

Since designating December "Ukraine Awareness Month", we have two encouraging developments to share:

• GIVING—The Refugee Ministry Subcommittee approved sending a significant gift to MTW to be used for winter preparation and to support ministry to those suffering from the war in Ukraine through the winter months. See more about that in the following article.
   
• DOING—We learned of a second “Crates for Ukraine” effort that is just now beginning. We'd love to see many OPC churches participate. It entails buying crates and items to fill the crates and driving them to Dallas, TX or Chattanooga, TN (or a drop-off location.) There are stipends available for churches that want to participate but need help with the funds to do it. Down-time between Christmas and New Years might be a great time to engage in such an opportunity. Interested in participating? Hit reply to this email, and we'll seek to answer any questions you might have. 

$500,000 for Ukraine Winter Help

For months we have asked you to pray that the Lord would guide us to the best avenues by which the over $700,000 in Ukraine Crisis Funds could be used.  Your faithful prayers have led to many productive discussions and hopeful decisions. After hearing of the pressing needs our brothers and sisters in Ukraine have as winter arrives, the Refugee Ministry Subcommittee of the Committee on Diaconal Ministries determined to send $500,000 of your gifts to Mission to the World. 

Pictured: Neon homeowner, William Gross, and his two sons with a group of OPC Disaster Response Volunteers from Michigan.

The Lord Provides Again in Neon

What seems to remain a constant in each disaster response effort is the gratitude and apparent spiritual growth of those serving. It’s been made clear to us over the years that helping others in need after a disaster blesses both the one who gives and the one who receives in many ways. Shane Everts, team leader for Carolina Christian School’s team of 27 reflected on their mid-November visit to Neon, “The students, as well as the adult leaders, laughed together, wept together, prayed together, and served together in the name of Christ. Our theme verse for this team was 1 Samuel 12:24: ‘Only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things He has done for you.’ We serve because Christ served, and we serve with hearts of gratitude in response to the lovingkindness of our heavenly Father.” 

OPC Missionary Heero Hacquebord

Have You Had a Chance to Watch?

We realize there's a lot in this issue about Ukraine, but it's all good stuff, and we think you'll find it beneficial. 

Have you had the chance to watch the video about the ministry occurring in Ukraine? If not, you don't want to miss it. The video features Heero Hacquebord, OPC missionary to Ukraine as he walks through what life is like in Lviv, the unique opportunities for gospel witness in war, and how you can pray. 

After you are done watching, reply to this email a one sentence response. We'd love to hear what you think.

2022 Hurricane Season Comes To a Close

OPC Disaster Response is thankful to see the 2022 hurricane season come to an end without a major impact to the OPC family. Though both Hurricanes Ian  and Fiona were devastating for the Southern U.S., all OP Church buildings and members were reportedly unaffected. Praise the Lord for his hand of providence and protection!

We are also thankful to report that we now have a total of 482 OPC Disaster Response registrants! We haven't quite made our "500 by the end of the year" goal, but we're close! If you haven't already, please register to let us know your interest in OPC Disaster Response.