Ukraine Relief Update: March 20, 2022
Jason R. | CPM Israel and Beit Sar Shalom in Berlin, Germany
Here is a report from the first team of translators we sent to Berlin.
What was special about our work with refugees was that we were able to help the maximum number of people in the shortest amount of time. We helped them get food, accommodations, etc.
We only had a little time to talk to them while we were escorting them to the various booths. Yet, during this time, we comforted them, prayed with them, handed out gifts like chocolates and Bibles. All of this had to be done along the way because we can not give a lot of time to one group as the next train would be coming soon with more who needed our help.
Most of the refugees are women and children, who traveled for three or four days just to get to Berlin. Some of the children were crying during the journey. Once they arrive in Berlin, their long journey is not over because there is no longer any room in Berlin. So, most of the refugees have another half a day to travel until they get to their location.
These translation teams are just one small part of an important network that Chosen People Ministries has put together to help refugees in Germany. Sadly, many have no final destination and need a place to stay. So, our staff are constantly using their connections to find safe housing for these refugees, which requires enormous time and energy. Our Israel director is involved in finding housing in Germany for refugees. About 15,000 refugees are entering Berlin every day, and they need a lot of help. Please continue to pray for the work and the workers.
Our second Translation and Aid team told us that many refugees came to our Ministry Center in Berlin, and the kids really enjoyed the games and dancing at the Purim (book of Esther) party that our staff put on. The team put together meals and care packages for the refugees that came.
At the train station, one of our team members has been handing out little heart stickers to the kids. They are so touched that they give her big hugs and don’t want to let go. After a very late night serving at the train station, another staff member had to get up early to go help translate at a church that has taken in some refugees.
Two of our team members started their day escorting two refugees—a believer and her elderly father—to the train station. It’s interesting how God uses our weakness. While sharing with one of them, our staff member couldn’t remember the word for forgiveness in Russian. As soon as the person understood what she meant, she said the word out loud, “Forgiveness,” and somehow by verbalizing it, the meaning really hit home for her. The daughter also explained how she had decided to go to her parents’ house but wasn’t planning to evacuate the country. If she had not gone to check on her parents, she probably would not have had the strength to evacuate from her home.
Our teams in Berlin have reported that there is a lot of work to do, and they are very grateful for your prayers and support.
