The first time I tried to enter Kherson was in November 2022. The city had been under occupation, but was now liberated. In a minibus loaded with food and accompanied by Ukrainian friends, we were stuck in a military roadblock for several hours and refused to proceed. It turned out after a while that President Zelensky was there that day to celebrate the liberation with the population. We distributed the food in a nearby, half-bombed village.

I have since visited the city on a couple of occasions, and now it was time again. But this time a special permit was needed from the military authorities as bomb and drone attacks had increased recently. After praying for guidance, I felt at peace to go in, permission was sought and granted.

Livets Ord supports the church on a monthly basis and has also donated a minibus to the work. The church also runs a shelter for vulnerable people, many with substance abuse problems. It has 15 beds, 11 for men and 4 for women. On the street outside, one of the men was splitting wood (surrounded by street dogs) It is wood-fired heating that applies and nowadays it is a reasonable temperature inside after new windows were put in because the old ones were blown out due to bombs nearby.

These activities take place under daily attacks on the city. There are true heroes in the congregation who are holding their ground and spreading light and love among vulnerable people. One reason for the visit is that we not only want to send aid, but also to share fellowship with the brothers and sisters on the ground. I have realised that it means a lot.

As we left Kherson after another couple of hours of prayer and fellowship (and pizza), we were told afterwards that a drone swarm had attacked the city at the time we left. Most were shot down and only one car was hit, and thankfully, no casualties. But that is the reality in Kherson, and this small church is helping to bring hope. If you are praying and giving, see this as one example, among others, of what our joint effort is about.