Maiory
Maiory is a small village in the Odessa region where there is much poverty. For eight years, Mission Possible has been running a children's programme in the village. The children have fun and are told about the love of God. They desperately need this love. Throughout the last few months, despite air raid alarms, the programme continues.
Missile attack
One Sunday night, the inhabitants of this usually silent rural community were awakened by a huge explosion. A rocket destroyed a grain store and windows of homes were shattered. There was smoke, there was fire, people were screaming and children crying. Everyone spent the night out on the street. When they returned to their homes as the sun rose, they discovered it was not just shattered windows but damaged roofs and ceilings that had collapsed. Pictured is MP's Tanya taking a child to see the ruins of the grain store.
Shock
The MP team visited the village the next day, and everyone was still in shock. Lilya says, 'We listened to their stories. We prayed with them and tried to comfort them as best as we could'. Pictured top right is Igor and Sasha helping older women cover their broken windows with foil. Right is Tanya praying for a child in trauma.
Maiory is just one village where MP works that is targeted by missiles.
All I want for Christmas
Most common childhood fears are things like spiders, monsters and the dark. But in Ukraine, it is sirens, loud noises and missiles. When asked what their greatest wish is for Christmas, it is not for a toy or phone. They want peace. That is why our ministry is so important. Our team cannot arrange a ceasefire, but they can bring the peace of God into their lives. Listen to what the children say:
As I listen to the stories in the Bible, I realise that God is always with me.
Olya, 10 years old
When I read Psalm 91:4, I realise that there is protection under God's wings.
Dasha, 9 years old
I have memorised Deuteronomy 31:6. When things are bad, God is near me.
Xenya, 13 years old
My God is all powerful and can do anything.
Lyuba, 11 years old
Pictured is a girl with one of the many children's Bibles handed out with aid boxes distributed. An aid box can be seen in the background.
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