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The past few months since the start of the war in Ukraine have naturally left their mark on CDH Stephanus as well. Right from the outbreak of war, the phones were ringing off the hook. Still completely surprised by the start of the war, it was essential to react quickly and launch the first aid operations.
Pickups at the border
So, as early as February 27, 2022, we began taking in war refugees at the main building of CDH Stephanus in Speyer. At the same time, we initially sent one or two Sprinter vans or minibuses almost daily to the Ukrainian border to pick up the fleeing women and children and bring them to safety in Germany. Most of those who sought our help were the wives and children of fellow believers. But we also tried, whenever possible, to help people who asked us for assistance directly on the ground.
All the rooms in the mission building in Speyer were quickly filled. In consultation with the local congregations in Speyer and Schwegenheim, we began distributing the families among Christian households. At the same time, we contacted the refugee shelter also located in Speyer, the regional social services offices, and local politicians to discuss the next steps. Many other congregations within the FECG brotherhood also participated in the initial accommodation of refugees, for which we would like to express our sincere gratitude to them all.
Pick-up at the border
Launch of the fundraising appeal
We also launched a fundraising appeal to cover the costs incurred and to make necessary purchases for refugee accommodations in Poland and Ukraine.
Within just a few days, our warehouse in Speyer was overflowing, and half the yard was filled with pallets. Many neighbors, clubs, colleagues, and congregations of the BFECG responded to our appeal for donations and supplied us with non-perishable food, hygiene products, mattresses, clothing, and also with substantial monetary donations. God also blessed us with the purchase of over 1,000 mattresses, which we were able to acquire at favorable prices through various vendors.
With the monetary donations we received, we were able to order approximately 30 tons of food from a local wholesaler. We received substantial financial support from our brothers in the Pentecostal churches in Canada. Shortly after the outbreak of war, they flew to Germany and paid for two truckloads of food and other essential supplies for Ukraine. May God reward them abundantly!
Delivery of the large order
Delivery of donated goods
Organization of the reception of refugees
As the number of refugees arriving at CDH Stephanus in Speyer increased daily, we organized two informational church services for our refugee brothers and sisters and their host families. During these services, we sang hymns to the glory of God, were encouraged by sermons, and received information about the legal situation for the newly arrived refugees. To the best of our knowledge and conscience, we answered the many questions from our brothers and sisters, as many had uncertainties and fears regarding their future in Germany.
Cooking for refugees and helpers
By now, the staff at CDH Stephanus were working almost around the clock. A clothing, shoe, and hygiene bazaar was set up in the main CDH Stephanus building in Speyer, as many of the arriving refugees were traveling with very little luggage. We saw many grateful faces when they saw the wide selection of free items and were allowed to simply help themselves. Three free meals were prepared daily for all arriving refugees, staff, and the many, many volunteers. In addition, volunteers cleaned the main building daily, cleaned the rooms, and made the beds with fresh linens.
Clothing bazaar
By now, a routine had also been established within the administration. Arriving families or individuals were registered at the mission, provided with a place to sleep for several days, and supplied with everything they needed. After a discussion about the various options for the next steps, everyone could then decide whether the refugee shelter or a Christian family should take over their care and support for the coming weeks.
Aid shipment for Ukraine
Food parcel campaign and aid transports to Ukraine
Similar to the Christmas parcel campaign during Advent, we launched a food box drive on February 28, 2022, in which many congregations within our brotherhood participated. Neighbors and clubs also took advantage of this offer and gladly filled the boxes with the necessary food items. We also received invaluable support from the transport company TIROPATRANS from Speyer. They provided us with a truck and driver free of charge for a direct trip to Ukraine, thus enabling us to contribute to God's work.
Through God's guidance, we were able to carry out the first aid shipments to Ukraine starting on February 28, 2022, using Ukrainian transport companies. On March 7, 2022, the first truck carrying staff from CDH Stephanus departed directly for Ukraine. Packed with food, mattresses, clothing, and hygiene products, our brothers set off for Ukraine on March 11, 2022. The brothers embarked with much uncertainty and many questions, as no one knew for sure whether they would be allowed to cross the border and how far they would be permitted to travel. Thankfully, our brothers arrived safely and were able to transport the urgently needed truckload to Ternopil.
Due to the sharply increased fuel and food prices, after a few weeks we decided to purchase the necessary food directly in Poland or Ukraine and then transport it to designated distribution points. From there, our brothers in the respective countries took over the further transport to the affected areas and communities.
Visit to war zones
Between May 5th and May 12th, 2022, three employees of CDH Stephanus traveled to the affected war zones. This allowed them to assess the situation firsthand, discuss it with the brothers of the respective congregations, and distribute necessary financial aid. They visited the following congregations: Chernivtsi region, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ternopil, Rivne, Brovary, Chernihiv, Novograd-Volynskyi, and Lutsk.
Visit to war zone
To the Lord be the glory
Looking back, we see God's grace and guidance in all our actions and aid efforts. We are overwhelmed by the love and willingness to help shown by our BFECG congregations, our neighbors, all the associations, and the many unknown donors and helpers. Through your cooperation, donations, and above all, prayers, the suffering of our Ukrainian brothers and sisters has been alleviated, at least to some extent.
Above all, we want to give glory to our Lord. He has moved many hearts to participate in this service to the people affected in Ukraine. Things haven't always gone smoothly. Not everything has always been coordinated and organized. But there has always been a great deal of love, devotion, and sacrifice involved.
Pray for us!
The war is not yet over, and help is still needed. Let us continue to support this ministry. Without the Lord's blessing, the work will be in vain. Therefore, we ask first and foremost for your continued prayers, but also for further material and financial support. Currently, only a few refugees are arriving at the mission in Speyer. Many of the refugees are choosing to use the state-organized refugee shelters, as an organized and orderly process for initial reception and further care has now been established there. Therefore, the main tasks now include organizing further aid transports and answering the many questions from our fellow believers who have fled.
May God continue to richly bless us in this work!
Matthias Krüger
CDH Stephanus Speyer
More information about the project and the opportunity to donate: