CCLC Missions

Grace is simply another word for God's tumbling, rumbling reservoir of strength and protection. It comes at us not occasionally or miserly but constantly and aggressively, wave upon wave.

Max Lucado

 

God’s grace within Ukraine – Despite the war and electrical outages 8 – 12 hour a day, so many ministries continue to share and show God’s love.  In the midst of danger and unknown, the 7 ministries that we help continue to plan and reach out.  Below are texts of thanksgiving that came from within.

 

A message from a work with unchurched children in central Ukraine. Your support bought supplies and facilitated outreaches. After receiving 2 boxes, he wrote – “Hello! Thank you, dear sister!! This is so necessary!!! We have already started preparations with the team - and it was about craft materials that we prayed for at the last meeting! Thank you!” 

 

A message from a work among orphans, refugees and those with disabilities in central Ukraine. Your gifts equip the ministry both with supplies and finances. Soon after receiving a couple boxes, she wrote, – “Greetings! We were in dire need of craft supplies. It's just great!!! We plan to hold 2 summer camps for children in different villages, as well as continue work with children in an orphanage.”

 

A message from a pastor in central Ukraine.  Your giving facilitated 2 outreaches – “I greet you in Christ! In June we held a children’s camp. 70% of children who attended come from families where parents do not attend church.  We were also able to hold a camp for women from the Church and refugees. Thank you for these possibilities to share more deeply about the saving love of God!”

 

A message from the Ukraine Christian Medical Association who work alongside local churches to help civilians living in small villages throughout the country. We support their work through shipping humanitarian aid.  – “It is not easy to live in Ukraine now. But the people who live here are sincerely grateful for all the help!”

 

A message from the Church of Grace in Kiev – “Thank you for the financial support!  With it we bought fuel. The gas allows us to continue traveling to 2 villages for weekly services. Also, we could take the youth group to a conference. The fellowship and encouragement are so needed at this time.”

 

A message from Prespectiva 21.3 – a Christian vocational center in Kiev for young adults with mental disabilities – “Thank you!  With your financial support, we bought humanitarian aid supplies for more than 100 families who have children with disabilities.  Our students packed the supplies and also helped in distribution.”

Grace - Undeserved favor

 

God’s grace to our group - God’s freely given kindness towards Ukraine refugees in Europe happened again this summer. Your support helped to facilitate a 5-day retreat in Croatia for 100+ Ukraine refugees with special needs. A mother of 2 daughters who have cerebral palsy asked me to tell you - “For the opportunity to gather at the sea; enjoy spiritual food from the program; have good conversations, rest & swimming. Thank you!”

 

Grace – “…a one-time gift of forgiveness and a lifetime gift of God’s presence.”

Max Lucado

 

God’s grace towards me - I can see His presence and purpose so well in the rearview mirror.  God’s grace towards me happened in 3 big ways this summer.  The first gift was in June.  As I’ve written before, Katharina and her parents found me in my mess & stress that first year (2022). They offered a life rope of help, friendship, their home and time. For the past 2 years, Katharina and I talked about traveling to Oregon but both of us had zillion unanswered questions about how that could possibly happen.

 

However, in February, when Germany granted my residency permit for another year, I knew I could stay.  So, we began working towards it. One by one our questions were answered and on June 1st we flew to Oregon.

 

It was a wonderful yet very purposeful trip. It was time to see my doctors & dentist, get my own medical supplies and gather humanitarian aid. Beyond that I craved unscheduled time and rest. For Katharina, it was her first time in the USA, and it seems she left a piece of her heart in Gearhart.

 

God’s grace came again in early July during the Croatia retreat (mentioned above).  While I had been invited in the spring to join as a medic, honestly, I did not want to go. The whole trip sounded exhausting. But when I heard that only 1 medic could come from Ukraine, I knew I needed to go.  Nearly graduated from medical school, Julia was a gem who quickly & quietly did a lot to help. I was grateful to God for His grace towards us in that the medical problems were minor. 

 

Then, 2 weeks later, God’s loving kindness simply overwhelmed me. While another road trip in late July did not sound fun, I am so glad God got me there.  The organization I work through – Christian Missionary Fellowship Int. (CMFi) celebrated 75 years this year.  A vision of the director was fulfilled when, for the first time, everyone gathered in one place at one time. So, for 5 days in Malaga, Spain ‘One Summit’ was held. Representing 25 countries, 184 missionaries & their children and all of those who work at the home office came together.

 

From the opening program to the last hour, I was blessed. It was fun! I got to hug CMF’ers I haven’t seen for 20+ years and meet a lot of neat new people. It was interesting!  The variety of workshops offered were engaging. It was filling! There was good food for the soul and my body enjoyed resting.  It was impressive! It is one thing to read about the ministry CMF is involved in around the world, it’s another thing to meet and hear them first-hand. 

 

The biggest gift I was given, though, was support.  During a personal prayer time with friends, they recognized that I was very very tired. While I had tried over the past two and half years to change the situation, basically I remained on call 24/7 with resulting fatigue.

 

God’s grace wrapped around me that hour. During the remainder of the week a plan was made and approved.  Of course, I was thrilled to have the complete understanding and support of the group upon my return.  In short, I now have weekends off and it has made a beautiful difference!  The song below matches how I feel.

 

“If I could make just one request

 that would mark all the days I have left,

I'd rather not be known for treasures and fame

or trophies and accolades I know will fade.

Instead I would rather be known

by the kindness and love that I show,

to be known for patience and long suffering;

a giver of life by the words that I speak.

So with every breath you give to breathe,

I pray it's your glory that they see.

And of all the words this world could say,

may they say I am full of grace.

I'll be the first to confess I'm not always found at my best.

But Lord be my strength in those moments I'm weak

and I'll keep on giving the grace I've received.

And finally when I see your face and I've reached the end of my race,

 I don't want to be known for finishing strong.

But as someone that your grace carried all along.”

 

Morgan Harper Nichols – A Prayer For Grace.

A link for this song…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fSA_MrbmTE

 

CMF blog

https://www.cmfi.org/working-together-to-care-for-ukrainian-refugees/

 

Blessings, June