On Thu, Mar 10, Pastor Gregg Matte spoke with Mark & Rhonda Blessing, missionaries in Lviv, Ukraine. Houston's First has supported the Blessings for many years, and they are the daughter and son-in-law of long-time church members Ken & Sara Lowrimore. Learn more about the Blessings below.
Your Generosity • Missionaries • Prayer
Houston's First has had connections with Ukraine for many years through specific missionaries and ministry partners. Our church has also supported missionaries and ministries in Russia and neighboring countries, and we've hosted mission trips to the region, as well. With these close relationships, we are especially grieved to see war break out as Russia invades Ukraine. We are keeping the situation in our prayers knowing that God will hear our cries, and we are providing practical help as we are able.
In direct response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine on late February 2022, Houston's First sent $10,000 to missionaries who are caring for people fleeing the capital (Kyiv) and other regions. We also sent $20,000 to Send Relief as they provide direct aid for what will surely be a refugee crisis.
Send Relief, a cooperative ministry between the International Mission Board and the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, is working with local Baptist partners in Ukraine to respond to the growing crisis by ministering to displaced families. Our contribution will help provide emergency food supplies, shelter, and clothing to displaced families.
Our church is able to send these funds immediately thanks to the ongoing generosity of the Houston's First family. As you give to the ministry of the church, funds are designated for crisis situations like these and natural disasters, as well. Your faithful giving allows us to provide assistance as soon as needs arise.
If you desire, you can give directly to this account by selecting "Disaster Relief Fund" as the giving type. These funds will be used by the church in response to future crises or disasters in our city, nation, or world.
Mark & Rhonda Blessing have served as missionaries in Ukraine since the early '90s, and Houston's First has supported them for many years. Rhonda is the daughter or long-time church members Ken & Sara Lowrimore. ABC 13 (KTRK) in Houston shared their story on Fri, Feb 25:
The Blessings' daughter, Bria, has been sharing updates from Ukraine on her YouTube channel, and you can follow her on her Facebook page, too. In 2014, Houston's First shared a story about Bria and how she appeared on Ukraine's version of The Voice at the time. You can read "A Voice of Hope in Ukraine" here.
You are likely already praying for the situation between Ukraine and Russia. Continue to intercede on their behalf, asking ...
You can also download this prayer guide for Ukraine provided by Send Relief.
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