Unfortunately, this alarm was what ‘greeted’ me upon my arrival to Ukraine. The Odessa region was under an air alert for about 90 minutes but thankfully I didn’t see or hear any attacks.

I was blessed to help serve a little while in Odessa. Shopping for refugees and wounded soldiers, speaking to soldiers with PTSD, connecting with medical staff at a local hospital and offering medical care to refugees was all a part of my time in Odessa. Many refugees have experienced so much loss… photos below are given with permission by one of the ladies I met. Her home (in Kherson) was hit by Russian artillery. She fled and her husband has stayed to serve in the military. How awful to see your home destroyed… then to be separated from your loved ones with the ever constant fear of losing them in war.

We also handed over several medical kits to medics. Each kit has a lot of equipment and costs about $200. These will be used by medics to save the lives of those people who are near the frontlines.

My time with soldiers suffering from PTSD was very sad and impactful. They need so much help. I am not including photos here that show their faces as that would be a potential security risk to them. I had a good time sharing the Gospel with them and pray that they find hope and comfort from those words. I ask that you pray for their full recovery. The ministry team here also made sure that every soldier received a Bible and a care package of fruit, biscuits, juice and water. I also had a good time talking with the hospital staff. They are desperately in need of medication for these poor men and women. Perhaps you can help? If you are a pharmacist or doctor or pharmaceutical rep, we could work together to get them what they need. I have the list of needed medication, I am willing to return and deliver the medication, I just need your help to make this happen and we can help make a real difference to so many soldiers and their families.

Thank you so much to everyone who supported this trip. Your gifts are far more meaningful than you will ever know!

If you would like to contribute to ministry in Odessa, please write to Anton Vovk at this email address: a.vovk.7749@gmail.com

Anton is involved in providing help to refugees and wounded soldiers. He is very trustworthy and has a big heart to share the Gospel.