Dear Friend,
YOU did it! You impacted more children than ever before in 2022! In the most challenging year yet for AFFEO and our partners with continued impact from COVID, the invasion of Ukraine, and global inflation you helped tens of thousands of children and families receive the critical support they needed because you said “Yes!” to the orphaned and vulnerable child – giving of your time, talents, and treasure.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Here are a few exciting and recent updates that I wanted to share with you.
RESCUING AND PROTECTING THE MOST VULNERABLE:
This Christmas you helped evacuate hundreds of vulnerable children and families in Ukraine to safety from combat zones and uninhabitable living conditions. In addition, you gave 19 families their Christmas miracle! Because of you and the heroic work of AFFEO partner Save Ukraine, 19 Ukrainian children who were separated from their families and deported to Russia were rescued and reunited with their mothers in Ukraine.
Ukrainian authorities believe over 10,000 children have been separated from their families and deported to Russia to be fostered or adopted by Russian families (who are told that these children do not have families). We rejoice over these 19 family’s prayers that were answered and please pray for the thousands of children and families waiting for their miracle.
We also rejoice over the hundreds of vulnerable children and families in India and Ukraine that are safe and warm right now because you helped equip them with firewood and other heating equipment that was so desperately needed. None of this would be possible without you!
AFFEO ADVOCATING IN DC FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES:
This past December I had the privilege of spending a week in Washington DC with our team, including AFFEO partner, Nikolai Kuleba from Kyiv. We spent the week on Capitol Hill and met with several other federal agencies.
Because of you we were able to share and grow awareness to the specific needs of vulnerable children and families on the ground in Ukraine, and advocate for their needs. Our messages were well received and please pray with us that the “seeds” that were scattered ultimately bear much fruit for vulnerable children in Ukraine – the next generation!
We look forward to sharing more updates from 2022 in our annual report currently underway. 2022 was a big year for AFFEO and our partners because of you. We are excited for all that 2023 has in store the children and families AFFEO serves.
With joy and much gratitude,
Heather Dyer
Executive Director
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17
