November 2025 Newsletter
"Hey, Hey Anybody Listening?" by Sonja Hinderlie
Happy Thanksgiving! In this time of gratitude and appreciation for all the blessings our Lord showers upon us, our thankful hearts overflow!
UKRAINE CAMP IN SEPTEMBER
It was very heartwarming to receive the generosity of so many gifts for the Camp in Ukraine. We share this amazing news because the monies supported the ministry for the 46 people, children and mothers, to experience healing from trauma and tragedy.
We all have a slight idea of what it is to live with fear and uncertainty, but to live with the threat of war on a daily basis not knowing what might occur, is quite unimaginable.
I've included a personal thank you from Eugenia Lemak, the pastor's wife who spearheaded this trip. She also sent several testimonials.
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
This is a small description of what we were able to do together in seven days. In my opinion, this is God's Great Work in many hearts.
The goal was to create a safe place for emotional support, restoration and unity for families of soldiers, children of war, and families from the war zone. Through rest, therapeutic classes, activities, communication on a one to one basis, we wanted to create a trusting environment. The ages of participants were children 6-15 years old and mothers who were 30 years and above.
TESTIMONIES
Iryna lost her husband and son four years ago. These years were filled with pain, sadness, and deep loneliness which led to depression. She was helped through the programs from the Institute for Trauma Healing. Through this event she said, "I felt so loved and supported that is authentic. I felt fulfilled mentally and physically through the swimming activities and the time of sharing in the task of making a video about the camp."
Antonina is the wife and mother of a military man. The "Healing Spiritual Wounds" program where art therapy was used along with one on one conversations opened her up to the pain in her heart. As she shared openly with the leaders and others about her pain, she felt she had made a first step towards relief.
Ilona: "I really liked it. There were nice people here, nice adults and delicious meals. The first day the theme was 'God Knows You'. This was a good way to begin as it confirmed who I am and opened opportunities to see others this way."
Olga: "It was very special and pleasant to spend time in praise and worship of the Lord. Thank you for this opportunity! May the Lord bless all of you!"
In closing, Eugenia says "We believe that together with you we had the opportunity to preach God's message and show God's love through such care and concern. Thank you very much to all who participated from the GroundUpGrace podcasts, also David and Cynthia for your many years of service to our ministry. There is a battle every day for our lives. Therefore we want, in God's time, to be those who show where the path of salvation is and through our savior, Jesus! We continue to serve."
ONE FINAL NOTE FROM PASTOR IVAN LEMAK
I greet everyone and want to THANK all who supported our ministry for the camp. We conducted emotional and mental recovery for 46 mothers and children. We used the program from the Institute of Trauma and Healing. Unbelieving teens and adults were very open and grateful that we could serve them. Some of the teens have started attending youth ministries as a result. It was a time of evangelizing where they could see the church supporting and caring for them. We appreciate your support and prayers! Let us glorify the Name of our Lord! God's blessings to you!
THANKSGIVING!
In everything with prayer, praise and THANKSGIVING, make your requests known to God and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard and keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:6-7). We rejoice for the week of THANKSGIVING these beloved children of God shared with one another thanks to the loving support of so many friends.
Sonja and Johan
