In Nehemiah 8:10, the Israelites have just finished rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem. Following the reading of the law, Nehemiah proclaims that “the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Joy is a tremendous source of strength in challenging times. The Ukrainian ladies who are involved in the ministry of the various Military Christian Women’s Clubs throughout Ukraine personify the joy of the Lord that strengthens them.
One club actually chose the name “Club Joy” in the city of Myrnograd, which ironically means “city of peace” but is now on the frontlines of the war. “Club Joy” reports to OBI that they are learning to be content and have God’s peace, though they are in a life-threatening situation due to Russian aggression nearby. Recently, women enthusiastically engaged in art therapy as an activity to find joy. Now, they will be planning to share the joy of Christ’s birth with families, children, widows, and soldiers.
Through the Global Family Support program, we provide funds that enable them to bring the “joy of the Lord” to military families throughout Ukraine. The various Christian Military Women’s Clubs share the message of the birth of Jesus and the hope He brings to our world. They focus activities on children, wives, widows, displaced families from the eastern region, and soldiers on the frontlines and in hospitals. The ladies pool their talents and resources to spread joy with crafts, music, plays, puppets, small gifts, candy, baked goods, and fruit.
These activities are beautiful and important ways to lessen the effects of trauma and stress.
Please prayerfully consider supporting the Christmas events of these clubs. These ladies take the small amount that they receive and multiply it with the joy and the love they have for the Lord and the military of their country. Will you consider partnering with them?
Donate to “Global Family Support.”
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 14:13
In His service,
Carolne Grube, Director of Family Support
Board Member
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