Help young Ukrainian family displaced by war...

Meet Andrey, Alina, Iljusha and Yeva. They are the Barmak family currently awaiting a flight from Germany to Canada where they escaped the war in Ukraine. Being approximately 87 miles from Kyiv, they originally expected the war would be distant and their family safe. However, as the bombing rang closer to home than anyone expected, life anywhere in Ukraine became increasingly volatile. On February 24, Andrey's brother in law, who is Ukrainian military, told him, "Please take my truck and my girls and flee this place!" Andrey immediately took his family and his sister's children and drove to the border of Poland. Normally, this is a 5 hour drive. 30 hours later they find themselves walking the last 10 km due to 4 lanes of jammed traffic. Andrey was not allowed cross the Polish border due to a mandatory draft in the Ukrainian military. It is February 27, 2022 and his wife, children and neices go to stay with Alina's brother in Germany. 2 months later Andrey rejoins them by a miracle of God through the Romanian border.

The Barmak's believed the war would not endure long and they could return home. However, as we know, the war has continued.

Power plants were bombed. Infrastructures were destroyed. The Ukrainian economy is in shambles... They realized there was no going home. It was this realization that led them to seek immigration elsewhere. They prayed and felt God leading them to Canada.

This is where we come in. What a God story?! As you may know, God called my family and I to Nova Scotia, Canada and we've been here for 3-1/2 years.

We have built 4 mission cabins with 2 more underway. We have a space for this lovely family... But, how did they know to contact us?

As God would have it, my first cousin, Brandon Wimpey, a pastor in South Carolina, had gone to Ukraine on mission trips in recent years. Guess who he stayed with? Andrey's parents... When the war incited in Ukraine, Brandon immediately contacted Andrey and made sure they were okay. He stayed in constant contact. So, once they decided to immigrate to Canada, they spoke with Brandon. He asked, "What part of Canada are you thinking?"

When they replied, "Nova Scotia," he said, "Well, I have a cousin there who may be able to help you!"

They contacted us and God just worked everything out! Isn't it just like God to go ahead of our trials and make a way? God has provided a home for this family of 4 with a baby on the way. Yes, God has blessed them with another child on the way. Alina is 2 months pregnant!

The Barmak family are Christian's who are active in serving others. Andrey is a member of the Gideons helping to get Bible and Christian literature in the homes and businesses of Ukraine. Together the Barmak's served in their home church with youth ministry and camps.

God is moving them to a place desperate for Christian families! They will be a huge blessing to this part of Canada...

Currently, God has provided Andrey with a part time job here in Nova Scotia and we'll pray he gets another part time job once they arrive.

Alina will homeschool her children.

They will arrive to Halifax December 12 and we'll bring them home to the mission cabin where their new life will begin.

What do they need? How can you help?

They have currently saved 7000€ which will simply get them here by plane. They will arrive with their luggage and that is all. They will need a reliable automobile.

I am asking for donations to purchase a suitable car for Andrey's commute to work, Alina's hospital maternity visits and every other reason we need reliable transportation. Alina will need all the necessities for a newborn.

We are already working on clothing and food. For anyone looking to donate, here are their sizes:

Andrey: CA/US: XL

Alina: CA/US: S or M (also some maternity)

Iljusha (boy): CA/US: youth 7-8

Yeva (girl): CA/US: Youth 5-6

At this point, an automobile, snow tires and auto insurance are paramount to Andrey securing regular income.

Because the Barmak's currently have no Canadian bank account all funds will come to us and we will donate 100% to them upon obtaining a bank account.

Prayer needs:

Andrey secures a full time job.

They find a permanent home to settle.

Andrey is able to learn English quickly.

Pray for healthy pregnancy and delivery. (Hospital is 2 hour drive)

Please pray and give as God nudges your heart. This family has lost everything to a war they did not start and cannot end. But, God loves them and we love them. Please, love on this family with your prayers and giving. No gift is too small because God uses all gifts of kindness.

Thank you in advance for all that you do. God's family is simply the best!

Chris Wimpey