Generosity Stories: The Bandura Family
By Barb Vainio
Last year Our Saviour’s members identified “Activate God’s Kingdom” as our mission. The Call Committee was asked by all the candidates we interviewed what that means. We told them that Our Saviour’s members are aware that God’s Kingdom is already active, and we see our mission is to make as many people aware of God’s work in the world and in their lives as possible. This is one example of how we’ve done that.
The Bandura family was forced to flee their beloved Ukraine after Russia bombed and invaded. They had never left their small town until they fled to Poland in February. They found out about the USA's U4U program (United for Ukraine), which expedited their refugee status and approval to enter, and they found a safe haven for their family of five in Whispering Pines, NC. They desperately want to start a new life, to find a church, to find jobs, to enroll their children in school, and to learn English. They are kind, shy, hardworking and unassuming people.
They arrived here with 3 suitcases and 3 backpacks -- their entire life fit comfortably in the back of a minivan. Until the federal government fixes a major flaw in the U4U program that brought them to Whispering Pines, they will not be able to legally work in the U.S.
When Our Saviour learned about this refugee family from Ukraine that landed in Moore County we knew we needed to help. A check for $2500 from our Discretionary Fund was delivered for this family.
The Discretionary Fund is supported by donations from our congregation allowing us to help the Bandura family and 80+ neighbors in financial crisis during 2021. Our gifts kept lights on and water running.
The Discretionary Fund is only one example of how Our Saviour’s generosity allows us to continue our mission to Activate God’s Kingdom and make a difference in our community.
Thank you and thanks be to God who gives us all that we have.
The Bandura family was forced to flee their beloved Ukraine after Russia bombed and invaded. They had never left their small town until they fled to Poland in February. They found out about the USA's U4U program (United for Ukraine), which expedited their refugee status and approval to enter, and they found a safe haven for their family of five in Whispering Pines, NC. They desperately want to start a new life, to find a church, to find jobs, to enroll their children in school, and to learn English. They are kind, shy, hardworking and unassuming people.
They arrived here with 3 suitcases and 3 backpacks -- their entire life fit comfortably in the back of a minivan. Until the federal government fixes a major flaw in the U4U program that brought them to Whispering Pines, they will not be able to legally work in the U.S.
When Our Saviour learned about this refugee family from Ukraine that landed in Moore County we knew we needed to help. A check for $2500 from our Discretionary Fund was delivered for this family.
The Discretionary Fund is supported by donations from our congregation allowing us to help the Bandura family and 80+ neighbors in financial crisis during 2021. Our gifts kept lights on and water running.
The Discretionary Fund is only one example of how Our Saviour’s generosity allows us to continue our mission to Activate God’s Kingdom and make a difference in our community.
Thank you and thanks be to God who gives us all that we have.
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
-- 2 Corinthians 9: 6-8
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