MOUNT FOREST – Lea Uotila of Great Commission Media Ministries (GCMM), shared information on the group’s ministry to Russia and Ukraine at the Mount Forest First Baptist Senior luncheon on Sept. 29.
Founded in Finland during the Cold War, GCMM’s “Miracle of the Century” took place in 1990 when Soviet Central TV aired Superbook, a 52-part Bible cartoon animation series for children in Russian. The central post office in Moscow was deluged with mail.
Over one million letters poured in from across the USSR, with a central theme, “Tell me more about God.” GCMM during its many years of ministry to Russia has printed nine million pieces of Christian literature for churches across the country.
GCMM already had a presence in Ukraine for six years before the full-scale invasion by Russia began on Feb. 24. It regularly visited villages, homes and military posts sharing hope and God’s love. Its military chaplains and local teams visited Ukrainian forward positions located within the range of rebel artillery fire, having fellowship and prayer with the soldiers in the bunkers, trenches and underground tunnels.
“The soldiers wanted to be ministered to. They wanted to hear somebody pray,” said Hannu Haukka, GCMM Founder/CEO.
On Feb. 25, GCMM was positioned and ready for evacuating Ukrainians from frontline towns and villages under Russian artillery fire. First from Mariupol, and then as the invasion spread, Orekhova, Zaporizhzhia, Bucha and villages in between were added to the roster.
GCMM would receive calls from city officials requesting help for their cities, as well as individuals. Its local teams would schedule departure locations and pick-up times so those wanting to evacuate would not be left behind. Their vehicles ran non-stop for weeks on end.
As GCMM ministers to soldiers and civilians for their spiritual needs, it has also assisted in delivering over 100 tons of humanitarian aid of water, food and medical supplies to frontline villages and cities. This includes ultrasound equipment, wheelchairs, generators, solar panels, hospital beds, protective clothing, ICU monitoring equipment, surgical supplies and medicine, shrapnel metal detecting instruments etc.
Currently, GCMM and its partners deliver between two and three tons of humanitarian aid daily to internally displaced citizens and to those trapped in villages and towns, hiding from shelling by Russian forces.
The war continues … and so does the need (visit www.gcmm.ca for information).
Some 80 people heard this powerful message, supported by videos of action on the front lines.
Everyone is welcome to join in for lunch on the last Thursday of the month at 11am at First Baptist, Fergus St., Mount Forest.
“Love to have you join us to hear informative presentations followed by a home cooked lunch,” church officials state.
