When we received the recent update from the Friends of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine, I asked myself “what is the responsibility of people in affluent western nations? Are we doing all we can if we think of them, support our government’s contribution of armaments and medical supplies, maybe even pray for them? Do each of us have a personal responsibility?”
My dad left me with an example that has influenced my thinking concerning these questions. After my mother passed away he continued their practise of tithing. Also, each month when he received his pension cheque, he walked from his apartment to the Abbotsford Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) office and gave them fifty dollars. “I want this to go toward feeding hungry children,” he always told them. His income was limited but he lived frugally so he would be able to do this. Linda’s parents were also faithful in giving to people in need.
Linda and I became aware of the Friends of the Mennonite Centre through a friend we respect highly. A cardiologist, he has travelled to Ukraine many times at his own expense on behalf of the organization to deliver medical equipment and share expertise. The Centre has long worked with local partner organizations, including churches. These people have an intimate understanding of the needs of individuals and communities. With the exception of a few Centre staff, the work is done by volunteers.
Linda and I are continuing to provide some of the Centre’s updates (disbursed by George Dyck) because this is an organization that is guided by individuals of integrity, making a significant difference. Their commitment comes not from being remunerated, but from a desire to stand by suffering people.
The catastrophic results of the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam are horrific! Here is Olga’s response:
“I cannot help but talk about the destruction of the Kakhovka hydropower plant in Kherson oblast. I will keep my emotions. You have yours and I don’t want to add to that. The catastrophe speaks for itself.
Nobody can, at this point, describe the exact consequences of the event. Dozens of villages are under water. The irrigation systems are destroyed. Thousands of hectares of fertile farmland are underwater without a hope to be restored in the near future.
Many cities are without water supply. Mass death of fish. And the most threatening thing – the level of the water above the destroyed dam is dropping. And, the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power station, the biggest nuclear power station in Europe, needs water for cooling. And it is under Russian occupation. I feel so helpless at times…”
Olga was in immediate contact with our partner organizations, assuring them that support from the Mennonite Centre will be available for people having to flee from their homes due to the flooding.
In Shiroke (Neuendorf) the community was advised to prepare for many people arriving from Kherson.
If you wish to donate to help the needy, then please visit our website http://www.mennonitecentre.ca/ and click on the donate tab. To donate by e-transfer please use the email address gtdyck@gmail.com and please include your postal address in a note accompanying the transfer so I can issue a tax receipt to you.
Thank you!!