Information about Ukrainian Family in Distress

During announcements after worship a few weeks ago, Solveig Spjeldnes shared information about her friends in Ukraine and invited the congregation to pray for Alex and his family.  Here is further information about how you can help.

Oleksandr (Alex) Radionov, his wife Ludmila and their 2-year-old daughter, Veronika, live in Kiev, Ukraine. At this point in winter they have hardly any heat or electricity and a minimal water supply. The Radionov family uses a small propane canister to cook food (see the picture) and they bought sleeping bags to try to keep warm. They have minimal internet access for work or connecting with others. It’s isolating and terrifying to never know where the next bomb will strike. This suffering is the direct result of Russian President Vladimir Putin whose strategy has turned from a military take over (which is failing ) to bending civilians to his will by systematically destroying their infrastructure. Today’s attacks have been particularly brutal.  

I have known Alex for about 20 years since he was a guest in our home for two weeks as part of a cultural exchange. We have kept in touch ever since. He is a fine family man who fortunately works for the United Nations so he has a job with some security. However, his wife lost her job in the tourist industry, which is dead these days, as is true for much of the Ukrainian economy.  

I’m writing to ask you to pray for Alex and this family and for all Ukrainians to lift them up during these terrible times. Please send notes of support and encouragement for the Radionov family to me at my email address solveigsp@gmail.com or text me at 740-590-2036. Below are pictures that Alex sent recently of his family and of Kiev.  

For those who want to support the Ukrainian people, below are organizations with which the Athens Bobcats for Ukraine collaborate along with organizations that Alex says is doing good work in Ukraine. [See attached.] Finally, if you want to ship to someone in Ukraine, attached are complete instructions with details.  We are privileged to live in a community that is safe and stable. Let’s show our gratitude by giving to others who are truly suffering and need our help and support. 

Thank you -  Solveig