An Old Man’s Answered Prayer
No Food Left
Recently, our dear friend Pastor Gennady shared a story from his travels to the front-line regions, where he spreads God’s love through preaching, praying, and offering practical support that brings that love to life.
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord.” Jeremiah 17:7
Our recent humanitarian mission to Pokrovsk (southeast Ukraine) revealed a small city in the middle of a profound crisis. Now situated just 7 kilometers from the front line, the city is in extreme need of relief aid as Russian troops advance.
As our distribution of food packages, warm blankets, and gas stoves neared its end, an elderly man approached us and said: “I hurried here as fast as I could when I heard you brought food for those in need. I really need your help.”
With a heavy heart, I could only respond, “I’m sorry, but we have nothing left.”
The elderly man’s reaction was heartbreaking. “No, this can’t be,” he said, his voice trembling. “I prayed so hard that I would get here in time.” Overcome with emotion, he collapsed beside his bicycle, tears flowing freely. “Is it really true that you have nothing left for my wife and me?”
His words carried such a weight of desperate hope that I felt compelled to search our van one last time, silently praying for a miracle. And in that moment, God’s grace manifested. There, on the floor, at the back of the van, lay a single food package – one we had intended to leave at a military checkpoint but couldn’t deliver, as the soldiers had left.
I presented the package to the man with a sense of awe. “Your prayers must have been particularly powerful,” I said softly. Here is the Lord’s answer.”
The old man was overcome with joy, and he even started to look younger for a while. He praised God, repeatedly expressing his gratitude for hearing his prayer.
As we prepared to depart, we asked for directions to the highway. Eagerly mounting his bicycle, he said, “Follow me, I’ll show you the way.” He led us to the main road, waving farewell as we continued our journey.
This encounter with a desperate old man is a vivid reminder of the suffering endured by those caught in the crossfire of war. We pray fervently: “Lord, please aid all those who endure this hell on earth, who turn to You in their darkest hours, trusting that You will not abandon them.” Chaplain Gennady
