Despite the dwindling news cycles about Ukraine’s war with Russia, the Baptist Resource Network (BRN) continues to pray and seek ways to support Ukrainians.
The BRN continues to partner with Send Relief, who is currently working with local Baptist partners in Ukraine and surrounding countries to respond to the crisis by ministering to internally displaced populations. They are providing emergency food relief, shelter and clothing, and offering transportation to displaced families. Your financial support of Send Relief goes a long way in reaching these refugees.
The BRN is also partnering with First Ukrainian Evangelical Baptist Church in Philadelphia, who has produced an Amazon list of medical supplies that you may purchase to be given to troops who are serving in the country. That list is found at 1stuebc.org/helpukraine.
In preparation for families who may relocate to Pennsylvania/South Jersey, the BRN proposes that churches collect supplies to assist them.
Requested Supplies:
— BACKPACKS for Ukrainian children, filled with items of comfort for them (coloring books, crayons, stuffed animals, socks, toothpaste, snacks, etc.). Maybe your neighbors would like to provide supplies, too?
Please note: the BRN already has the backpacks in hand. Only the supplies to fill the backpacks are needed.
— TUBS OF LOVE, plastic bins filled with bath towels, soaps and other toiletries to aid refugees as they seek new places to live. Maybe your small group can work together to fill a few tubs? Click here for a list of suggested items to include.
— And as always, GIFT CARDS are always a welcome gift to those who are struggling while in transition.
Collection Sites:
Currently, churches may bring their donated supplies to the following collection sites:
- Bloomsburg SBC (Chuck Chamberlain, 570-441-3353, 108 Welliver Dr)
- Bux-Mont Baptist Church, Hatboro (Charles Blachford, 215-672-8335, 309 W County Line Rd)
- Catalyst Church, Altoona (Mike Blackie, 814-207-5723, 1331 12th Ave, Ste 103)
- East Shore Baptist Church, Harrisburg (Gary Mills, 717-439-0688, 6721 Jonestown Rd)
- First Baptist Church of Clarion (Jason Hunter, 814-221-5187, 649 Main St)
- Harvest Community Church, Kittanning (Fred Neal Jr., 724-664-9962, 143 Reed Rd)
- Rolling Hills Church, Verona (Greg Drayer, 724-882-9180, 120 Gernert Dr)
- SOAR Church, Woodbine, N.J. (Tom Dawson, 856-498-8048, 1324 Dehirsch Ave)
- Winfield Baptist Church (Corey Mitchell, 570-939-5423, 330 State Rte 304)
Promotional Resources:
The BRN has designed two bulletin inserts to aid churches in promoting the two drives, including one for the Backpack contents and one for the Tubs of Love. Click on the image(s) to download the inserts (2 per page).
More recently, the BRN became aware of a dire need for medical equipment, including WOUND VACUUM MACHINES to treat those who have been injured as a result of the war. These machines cost about $2,000. Perhaps your church would like to rally together to raise enough support for one or two of these life-giving machines?
More than anything other gift you could provide, churches are urged to pray for Ukraine and all those affected by this war. “In the spirit of loving our neighbors both near and far, let’s ask God to move among the people, pour out His healing power and demolish the evil,” shares Barry Whitworth, BRN’s executive director. “He is able!”
The deadline to submit collections is May 31.
Thank you for being willing to make a difference. Stay tuned to brnunited.org/ukraine for our periodic updates.
View Video:
WORLD RELIEF DISCIPLESHIP RESOURCES:
Guide to Welcoming the Stranger, a 6-week small group curriculum created by Matthew Soerens, the author of the book Welcoming the Stranger. Soerens is also available to speak at events.
The Workshop, World Vision’s e-learning platform that is super practical, with classes with everything from helping people walk with traumatized refugees to starting ESL programs
Tips for Working with a Resettlement Agency, a very practical guide to help work with entities who work with displaced people
Responding to the Crisis in Ukraine, a brief update on World Vision’s Ukraine response
