Update on Ukraine
This year, on the 15th of March, Caminul Felix Ukraine became an official NGO (non-governmental organization) of Ukraine. An NGO is what we call a Nonprofit organization in the United States and it now allows us to operate with the permission of the government and on behalf of the people of Ukraine. It’s hard to believe that in only a year’s time we made our first visit and now have an organization that is recognized by the country. We are so grateful.
Since this happened, we have turned our attention to finding land to purchase in order to set down the roots necessary to build our new village. We came away a little disappointed when land that we had targeted fell through for us in March. Personally, it was a great disappointment. But we have faith that God knows what’s happening and so we thunder on and new opportunities have presented themselves!
It would be impossible to do what we are doing without our valuable partners in Ukraine. We have met so many incredible people who have opened their lives and country to us to assist in our endeavors.
Recently two of those people, along with their wives, made a journey to our villages in Romania to better understand the scope and vision of what we are trying to achieve. We were so honored to have them and even the city of Oradea (where CF Romania is based) extended warm greetings to our friends. The Romanians, along with most of the European Union have given time, money, aid, humanitarian support and logistics to the Ukrainians as they navigate this horrendous war which began when Russia illegally and immorally invaded a sovereign nation.
The wake of this invasion can in some ways be measured in lives lost (which is horrible), but the mark it will be having on Ukraine in the decades to come is borderline catastrophic, and long after the Russian tanks are gone and the cities of Ukraine begin to rebuild, the deeply challenging work will only just be beginning. The loss of so many children, including those lost to violence, those taken to Russia against their will, or the millions who have departed for new lives in other countries will leave a HUGE HOLE in the fabric of Ukraine; culturally, financially, academically, in families and beyond.
This is why we long to build a village there! The statistics on orphaned, abandoned and neglected children, including those sent to foster homes are deeply alarming. We want to be a part of stemming the tide and helping this proud and beautiful country to be restored, with God’s help!
Can you help us? We are actively looking for property and have a couple more leads but need more funds to make a purchase happen. Our goal is to purchase land prior to winter’s onset. Want to help?
How you can help:
If you have questions, please contact me and I will do everything I can to add clarity and provide opportunity. Email me at bill@billfunk.life or reach out via WhatsApp. My phone number is +1 (707) 481-5211. Message me and we can set up a time to talk on the phone or on a video call.
If you’d like to give now, simply go to this web address: https://assistinternational.org/cfvi/
Absolutely pray for us. We need it and long for many to be doing so!
Thank you for reading! I’m grateful!
Bill Funk
Caminul Felix Villages International Director
