The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

Images from the Russian invasion of Ukraine have dominated the news for the past month, and with it, stories of the human suffering as refugees flee their homeland. With photos of bombed out cities, stories of Russian forces targeting civilians, and video of the over 2.5 million refugees that flooded into Western Ukraine and Europe, it's obvious that help is desperately needed. However, it can be difficult for individuals to know how to do something to ease the sufferings and meet the needs of those victimized by Russia. Over the past few weeks, the mission committee at Big Sandy Church of God has been researching options for giving to relief work. They have taken a two pronged approach to the matter: First has been looking for ways to donate material relief, like clothing or medicine. The second has been finding ways to donate money that ensures funds reach people in need on the ground in Ukraine.

John Drga, who has spearheaded the church's efforts in this area, explains that the challenge for material relief has been that the cost of moving a shipping container overseas right now: "... it's like $20,000 to send a container over when there might only be $10,000 of stuff in that container. So it's kind of cost prohibitive or not as effective to do that. It makes more sense to donate funds and allow them to purchase supplies in Europe to meet the need." There are some potential avenues to explore yet, but for the moment, financial support is the best option.

For financial relief, John and the mission committee considered several options before selecting Provision International, which is based out of Billings, Montana. The church has a long relationship with the organization, largely due to its association with Lance Lanning, the team leader. Lance and his family have ties to the Big Sandy area. Beyond the existing relationship, Provision International was chosen because they guarantee that 100% of donated funds will reach refugees. None of the donated money goes to administrative costs or fees. In addition, Provision International has a long history of work with Ukraine, specifically churches in the region. This means that they are able to engage the situation with preexisting relationships and a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

The mission committee at the Church of God began its efforts by giving money from the mission fund to Provision International and another organization. The church has also begun collecting financial donations from members to send to Ukraine (again through Provision International). They are making this option available to members of the Big Sandy Community in hopes that we will join together to offer help to those displaced by the war. Those interested in giving can either donate through the church or on the Provision International website. To give online go to

http://www.provisioninternational.org. Click the orange "Donate" button in the top right hand corner of the website. On the page that comes up, there will be a drop down menu labeled "Fund." The first option provided is "Ukranian Relief." If you prefer not to give online, you can do so through our local church either by mailing checks with "Ukrainian Relief Fund" written on the memo line to:

Big Sandy Church of God

Box 505

Big Sandy, MT 59520

You can also contact the church office to make arrangements at 406-378-3533 or Pastor Erik's cell at 406-399-3803.

The need is overwhelming, and the task of helping our Ukrainian neighbors is daunting. We can help, but only if each of us acts. The Provisional International website includes a quote from Helen Keller: "Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much." Our little town can help our neighbors in need if we each take up part of the responsibility to provide relief. Thank you.