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F er F Untitled-1 1 11-01-04 10:13 AM P.O. Box 2007, Abbotsford, BC V2T 3T8 As we approach Christmas, it is a reminder that winter is almost upon us, even more so for the people of Eastern Europe. They are facing a new and cold winter; a real winter, not like the kind we get in Vancouver, but more like Edmonton, Winnipeg or Prince George. Cold, long and harsh. I’m sure you’ve noticed the pictures of Eastern Europeans in their homes, all bundled up from the cold. Not outside, but in their homes. There is no double glazed windows, insulation in the wall, or carpets on the floors. Many don’t even have windows! Our Communications Manager in Ukraine tells us that the cut off of gas supplies to Ukraine in mid-June has caused an energy crisis. Now it’s been made much worse with the Nov 7 action by Russia cutting off all gas deliveries to Ukraine. Much of that gas transits Ukraine on the way to Western Europe. This cut affects 60% of Europe’s supply thus creating a continent-wide energy crisis. In Ukraine, the coal mining area of Donbas (Donets and Luhansk regions) is under the control of Russia-backed separatists. Ukraine, traditionally a coal exporter, needs to import coal to keep energy stations going. With winter coming on, Ukraine energy production decreases while energy consumption rises. As a result, electricity cut-offs occur at peak usage times in the mornings and evenings. Those who can afford it are buying candles, getting plastic windows; pellet and firewood boilers installed and houses are being insulated to prepare their homes for the worst scenario. But there are many thousands who can’t afford such things. Without our help they face life threatening challenges in the months ahead. “Ukraine is now facing one of the worst times in its later history and it’s clear that Ukrainians have to tighten their belts and be prepared to live through a very difficult cold period. Please continue to pray for Ukraine” says our Manager. Mission Without Borders in Ukraine is also preparing to help the needy with Operation Winter Rescue (OWR). Last winter we were able to deliver coal, peat, firewood, food and warm blankets to families. We provided many thousands of meals, warm clothing and blankets to the elderly and homeless. This year, with the energy crisis, we will need to do much more. OWR aims to help the most vulnerable and needy families survive through the coldest, most difficult period of the year. Families most affected live in the villages and do not have money to provide themselves with survival necessities. They receive truckloads of wood, coal and peat blocks from the Mission to keep their houses warm during the wintertime. We also provide winter footwear for children who could not go to school without them. The 2013 winter was very cold, and as a result, many people froze to death. This past January saw temperatures drop below minus -30 degrees Celsius. The 2015 forecast for Eastern Europe is for severe cold and heavy snow throughout the winter. There is a real crisis building that needs our immediate attention. Many Families in Moldova Also Face a Hard Winter In a very small and old house, the door opens to a young couple with four little children that greet you. They live in one room where there are two beds, a wood stove and a small table. This room acts as both bedroom and kitchen. There is no bathroom inside. The only food available are the packages received in the OCL parcel delivered by MWB a few weeks ago. Petru, the father spent most of his childhood in hospital and at the special Children’s Home for Deaf Children. He had a very difficult childhood. Petru was used to other people making fun of him. He has always felt unloved and unaccepted. His dream since childhood was A Hard Winter December 2014 Last winter, poor families like this mother and child and many others who thankfully received firewood\peat from MWBU need our help this year to survive through the coming winter. Mission Without Borders 1-800-494-4454 | www.mwbca.org email: [email protected] 66794 MWB Dec NL.indd 1 -11-1414 2:47 PM
