There is a lot in this e-mail so here is a litte table to help you navigate.
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Since 2017. the team at Camp MAXIMUM have been delivering high quality, fun and accessible activities to Ukrainians from across the country. The facilities are of the highest standard, appealing to those who might not walk into a church, but here at MAXIMUM they encounter the love of God through the Christian team, and hear the Gospel through bible studies and talks. Camps are run for all ages and demographics, including military, police, schools, elderly, church leaders, businesses and those with special needs. It is a truly unique place having a significant impact on society.
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Since the war began...
The team at MAXIMUM knew that they needed to respond and so immediately set about building a fleet of vehicles that could be used to evacuate people from conlfict zones, and deliver humanitarian aid to those who could not leave.
Thousands of people have been evacuated so far. They are brought to MAXIMUM for a few days of care before the team help them to their next destination, be it elsewhere in Ukraine, in the local area surrounding the camp, or to the border to head into Europe.
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Evacuating from Conflict Zones
The fleet of buses is driven by volunteers, some pastors and church leaders from all denominations. On these journeys they face many dangers. Two vans have been hit by shelling or shrapnel as they have driven into active conflict zones. We praise God that no-one has been seriously injured.
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Delivering Medication
Even the simplest of medications are in very short supply, and that is if you can safely get to pharmacy to buy them. The team have been able to obtain large volumes of the most needed medications and deliver them to those with specific needs across the region.
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Food Parcels
Director Vitaliy says:
The idea is simple. Instead of buying and shipping food from abroad, we decided to identify and support the local Ukrainian food producers still in operation and buy from them. The goal is to feed the hungry in war-torn regions and sustain jobs within Ukraine. The program will then phase out as soon as the government will be able to restore supply chains and revive channels of social support. Our food box is 60% cheaper in comparison to the same kind of food box purchased and shipped from abroad. Also, the packing line we have set up will provide jobs for the refugees staying at Camp Maximum and trying to start a new life in Zolotonosha.
Each food parcel costs just £8 and will feed someone for a whole week.
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The first 600 food parcels have been delivered.
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Life at Camp MAXIMUM
This incredible facility has acomodation for more than 160 people. On average at the moment, they are accomodating 110 people each night, although this has been much higher. Guests generally stay for 2/3 nights, during which time the team help them with appropriate paperwork to prepare for their next steps. There are a number of ways that the team are using their gifts and skills to serve these dear guests during their stay.
Kids activities to bring joy to the children in times of war.
At this time, these dear children need to be drawn away from the terrors that they have seen and allowed to be children again.
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Nightly pray meetings for Ukraine and loved ones.
Every evening, at 7pm, Misha from Uman leads a small service of worship and prayer. Many are hearing of God's love for the first time. Let's pray that they meet with Jesus.
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Delicious food
The team of cooks love to cook up a storm, and here they are making delicious Easter cakes for the guests and local soldiers.
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English Speaking Club
For teenagers
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Team Overseas
As so many have, Ira, MAXIMUM's programs director, has taken her family to safety in Italy. But, as only Ira can, she has taken Camp MAXIMUM with her and is running children's activity groups for the many Ukrainian families that are there in Italy too. Let's pray that, just as the persecution of the early church lead to the spread of the Gospel in unexpected ways, this time of scattering might too lead to much fruit for the Gospel as many people encounter the truth wherever they are.
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And finally... testimonies
It is always amn incredible privilige to hear testimonies from real people. The team at MAXIMUM have compiled a few. Please continue to pray for all those affected by this awful war.
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Ivan from Lisichansk
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Nastya from Lisichansk
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The Kovoalenko family from Kurakhovo
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