But, what can I do?
What you think of as insignificant could change lives, says Lainey Hitchman, who reached out to help Ukrainians.
You may have watched the news unfold and wondered, ‘What can I do?’
When an obvious answer doesn’t surface, it’s all too easy to turn away from the screen and forget what others are going through and what’s happening in the world.
But maybe, just maybe, you’ve heard the Holy Spirit speaking to you, and you know that he wants you to do something.
It’s important to listen to that still small voice and act on it – it could mean a lot to somebody.
When the Ukrainian crisis kicked off, my husband, Roy, and I were not in Hungary, as a lot of our ministry work in the area of relationships among marrieds and singles and also in the area of parenting, is on the road.
That was frustrating in many ways because we couldn’t be as ‘hands on’ as we would have liked helping those who were fleeing the war. Yet, something was stirring in us that we needed to help in whatever way we could.
Here are seven dos and don’ts we’ve learned that might help you form your own decisions:
1. Don’t ignore the opportunities that come your way
We received a message from friends in Ukraine who desperately needed to get the women and children in their family across the Romanian border and onward to Norway. Our dilemma was that we weren’t there to meet the need ourselves, but we felt God was asking us to do something.
2. Do make connections
We contacted another Elim missionary who lives and ministers in Romania and asked if she could possibly help. Liz Face bent over backwards to do what she could
3. Do go the extra mile
In Liz’s case, that meant driving four-and-a-half hours to a border crossing in the middle of nowhere to collect a family she did not know and drive home again with them.
She looked after them really well and made arrangements to get them to their next destination, Budapest.
4. Do ask God for solutions
This lovely family had another need. They had logistical issues regarding the timing of the mini-bus and the timing of their flight. They needed accommodation in Budapest and help to get to the airport for one young adult, two teenagers and two very young children.
After praying for solutions, God reminded us of some contacts we have there.
5. Do marvel at God’s provision
Our contacts had a big enough car, accommodation, and even toys for the children to play with.
They were more than willing to collect them from the minibus, look after them overnight, take them to the airport the next day, and make sure they could check in.
We were so blessed to see how God looked after the little details.
6. Do expect God to provide
We knew that the expense of getting to Norway, where they had been given accommodation, was huge for this family. Elim Missions were able to bless the family with the cost of the flights from the ERA funds.
7. Don’t underestimate your value
Our role in this whole scenario was small, minute even.
We only heard of a need and made a few phone calls to our connections, but our part was still necessary.
Remember, what you consider to be little is often a great deal to the receiver. Your little might be essential.
So, if God prompts you to do something, don’t dismiss it because you think your part is insignificant or too minor. Obey his voice and stand back and watch what God will do.
Lainey Hitchman is one of Elim’s missionaries serving in Hungary.
First published in the May 2022 issue of Direction, Elim’s monthly magazine. Subscribe now to get Direction delivered to your home.
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