Aiding Friends & Family in Odessa, Ukraine

My name is Todd Marsh, and I am proud to be married to Svitlana, a Ukrainian-American, for 15 years now. Her parents, The Yushchenko’s,  were able to leave the Ukraine and come in 2018 and live with us.  

11/22/22 UPDATE:  We now have successfully gotten Lana’s brother & family out and he and my 5yr old niece now also live with us here in Colorado. Amen!

In mid-November, a factory was bombed in Odessa, just a block or 2 away from the Yushchenko’s house. It was a massive explosion, which shattered the glass windows in the entire house … we are so very grateful The Lord provided them a way out and no one was in the house when this happened, though neighbors who have been unable to leave were not so fortunate.

With electricity being constantly turned off, heating and staying warm have become issues that simply need more attention. First and foremost, we ask that you please pray for them!  And if you are able, please help us so we may provide aid to them that is desperately needed.

• We still are trying to raise funds to send directly to pastors and church organizations we know, who are helping those still there in dire need of food, basic supplies, heat and warm clothing, and basically everything you would want to have in preparing for a Ukraine winter - having experienced that kind of cold myself, it makes Colorado feel like a spa … it chills you to your bones  (Odessa is on the Black Sea, so the humidity and temperature combined make for a horrible winter).

• Also, any funds we send to them are available in minutes and are put to use immediately. There is perpetual need to resupply bomb shelters, to help assist orphaned children, and also arrange transportation to help evacuate displaced Ukrainians.

 

•  We do have personal needs, as our household has grown from 4 to 8 - and the process of acclimating to our way of life here in Colorado is an ongoing challenge, but one we absolutely accept!  God has been good, and seeing how quickly a child learns English in a few short months is amazing -  actually, my 4 year old daughter speaks fluent Russian and English, and interprets their conversations for me constantly! Only God could make that happen.  Your prayers for our household are certainly appreciated!

Svitlana & I find ourselves uniquely positioned by Our Lord to help with aid and address current needs throughout the Ukraine. These needs often differ from what is reported by our news here in America, and as of late with the political issues it is even further down the news cycle.  But the need is real and ongoing. Lana speaks Ukrainian, Russian, and English which is a blessing as we communicate and do what we can to send help as much as possible.

Thank You for reading our story. We would appreciate it greatly if you are able to contribute to our collective cause, and help us aid in the needs of the crisis in the Ukraine.

Lastly, please PRAY for us! 

The Marsh-Yushchenko household continues to trust Our Lord and have faith, even as these terrible circumstances unfold as the world watches.  I’m happy to provide updates or give more specific information, so if you’d like to hear more please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank You and God Bless,

Todd & Svitlana