Both Kiev and Odessa have seen terrible destruction and loss of life. Amongst those lost are faithful servants of God. One brother started a unique ministry translated “on this shield”. It goes back to Ancient Sparta, where a fallen warrior was probably carried from the battlefield on his shield. Alexei is the owner of a small transport company. When the war started, he gave some of the cars to transport the bodies of dead Ukrainian soldiers. Over time, dozens of volunteers from evangelical churches joined him. They named the ministry – Cargo 200. 200 means that a soldier is dead. Whenever you see a van with this sign “cargo 200” you know that you see the sign of grief which is headed for another family. Another young widow, more orphans, more bereaved parents will have to bury their sons and daughters. There are many such Cargo 200 cars on Ukrainian streets. It is a very difficult ministry, but we give thanks to God that there are brave Christians who take on this responsibility to help deliver dead bodies to the families. Maybe to be the first one to meet with the families and give a short prayer. Maybe have a short conversation and offer comfort. We may feel there are no proper words in such situations, but this is what our brothers decided to do and to be the one to spend the first moments with the families, and to pray with them.
Please pray for this ministry and for opportunities not only to offer comfort and support, but to share the hope that can be found in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Board of the BU of Ukraine statement:
“Your prayers and voices are powerful. May our shared commitment to Christ’s teachings of love and peace guide us through this dark period. May God bless you for your kindness and solidarity. We hold fast to the hope that, together in prayer and action, we can navigate these dark times towards a future filled with light and peace”.