UKRAINE —Samaritan’s Purse food distributions in Ukraine are accomplishing so much more than simply providing nutritious food that is in short supply. More than 161 million pounds of groceries have been given out so far, and Mariya, for one, has given her life to the Lord as a result.

When the war left her with no job and no money, Mariya initially volunteered to help with whatever was needed at the distributions. She daily rubbed shoulders with believers and soon discovered that she wanted what they had.

“I repented and realized I couldn’t live without God,” Mariya said. “I decided to devote my life to Jesus.”

Mariya:

Why should I run away? He is the Light. And in the midst of darkness, light always wins. War is bad. It brings death and destruction. I don’t know. I feel like crying

During the occupation, everyone was short of food. I had no money, no job. A friend of mine invited me to church. She told me that food packages were being distributed there. So I came and listened.

This is a great time to become closer to God. The Word of God says that if we come closer to Him, He will come closer to us. He told us to lay our burdens on Him, and that He’ll carry them.

Mariya:

I came to receive food from Samaritan’s Purse. I stayed in touch with those people. I kept coming back. I asked if I could help in any way. There were many ways I could help. I started helping in different places. Then, I started going to church to pray. I repented and realized that I couldn’t live without God. I decided to devote my life to Jesus.

Food is essential for everyone. These canned goods and pasta are like manna from heaven. I can to God through these distributions. Helping people is now my vocation. We serve with our hands. God serves using our hands. We are His children. We carry His words and knowledge to the people who come to us for help.

Preaching God’s Word is our main task. Food is just a bonus. God continues to do His good deeds. This is what living for God means to me.

Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet the needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ. The organization serves the Church worldwide to promote the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Samaritan’s Purse International Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) program is committed to meeting the critical needs of victims of war, poverty, famine, disease, and natural disaster. We stand ready to respond at a moment’s notice whenever and wherever disaster strikes. The DART specializes in providing water, food, shelter, and medical care while sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

CONTACT: Gabrielle Bouquet, news@samaritan.org

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