Sojourner #079: Standing With The Children Of Ukraine

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, ESV)

Winter settles once more over Ukraine, and with it the familiar ache of a nation living under the long shadow of war. From Lviv to Kharkiv, from the trenches of the east to the temporary housing of the displaced, believers continue to inhabit that sacred tension Scripture describes, the tension of a Kingdom already inaugurated yet not yet fully realized on this earth. “For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come” (Hebrews 13:14, ESV).

And even still, they hope.

For four years now, a simple ministry has become a lifeline of joy for children who have known more sirens than songs, more goodbyes than gifts. What began as a small act of mercy has grown into a global expression of Christ-like love, an annual Christmas backpack outreach supported by churches and believers worldwide in partnership with The Bible Today (TBT), a faithful Christian media ministry serving Ukraine for over twenty-five years.

This year, in the face of never ending war, the need has only grown, and so has the invitation.

Their goal is to send 800 backpacks, each one filled with toys, school supplies, warm essentials, hygiene items, and a small taste of Christmas joy to children living through war. Every gift you purchase goes directly to a child, and for many of them, it will be the only gift they receive this Christmas. Let us then, by faith, carry the hope of the gospel to them this year.

In a world intoxicated with dramatic spectacle, these backpacks may seem small. But the Kingdom of God has always advanced through small things, small acts of obedience, small seeds of mercy, small gifts placed in the hands of the least of these. “And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple… will by no means lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42).

Each backpack is a reminder of the Gospel’s nearness, a reminder to children who fall asleep to the sound of artillery that the Lord has not forgotten them in their affliction. “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit”(Psalm 34:18). Through the ordinary faithfulness of God’s people, the extraordinary love of God breaks through.

The Bible teaches us that missions are not an optional add-on for the church. They flow from the heart of the new covenant God has made with us in His blood, from a God who is gathering a people for Himself from every tribe, nation, and tongue (Revelation 7:9). To send a backpack is to participate in that mission, to embody the love that John calls us to live: “let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18).

One day, the war will end. Sirens will give way to singing. Homes will be rebuilt. Ukraine will rise from the rubble. And when that day comes, these small mercies, these backpacks filled by believers from far away, will prove that the church remembered, cared, prayed, and acted.

Until that day dawns, the work continues.

We pray. We give. We stand with Ukraine.

Even from far away.

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To support this ministry, please consider purchasing items from their Amazon Link. Should you do so, please ensure your order is placed no later than December 7, 2025.

A Message From Yulia: 🎒 BACKPACKS FOR UKRAINE 🎄 Thank you for being part of this year’s Christmas Backpack Project for children in Ukraine. Every gift you purchase goes directly to a child living through war and for many of them, this may be the only gift they receive this Christmas. Our goal this year is to send 800 backpacks filled with toys, school supplies, hygiene items, warm essentials, and a little Christmas joy. 🛒 How to help: • Choose any items from this wishlist • Add a note if you’d like • Please make sure all orders are delivered before December 7 so we can pack and ship everything on time • Share this wishlist with friends, family, or coworkers, every single item makes a difference. Thank you for bringing hope to kids and families who need it most. Your generosity truly reaches Ukraine 🇺🇦✨ Shipping Address: Yulia Clack 1095 Essex Street Unit A2 Camano Island, WA 98282

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