NEWS AND VIEWS: AHRU supports Cherkasy center (12/08/96)

NEWS AND VIEWS

AHRU supports Cherkasy center

NEWARK, N.J. - Four years ago in Cherkasy, Ukraine, the Stephanus Charity Center (SCC) was established. It is a branch of the International Christian Association's Servants of the Persecuted Church based in the United States. The center in Cherkasy publishes a bimonthly newsletter, Courier, and books on Christianity. It also distributes aid in the form of used clothing, which is a gift from churches across the United States. Activists of Stephanus have distributed coats and other items of clothing to more than 8,000 people in Ukraine. The exact number of recipients is not known, because it is impossible to keep track of all the individuals.

The aid is usually given to families with many children - families who were affected by Chornobyl, disabled children and adults who are afflicted with polio, cerebral palsy and other illnesses. Aid is given also to institutions that help the blind and people with birth and developmental defects. In addition, assistance is given to older individuals who live alone and fall below the poverty line and to former political prisoners - especially those who were persecuted for their religion.

Andriy Ostrenski, chairman of the Society for the Blind in the small town of Zolotonosha, recently wrote the following to Stephanus:

"While sorting the donated clothing, we saw that it was of high quality and in excellent condition. In this cold weather the coats, jackets and sweaters are of great necessity to us. We compared the items of clothing in this shipment to items from our precious gifts and were amazed at how much better these were; in fact, we never had such beautiful clothes in our entire lives. When we were trying them on everyone was elated and some even wept with joy.

"Many people told me that if it were not for this help, they would have had a very difficult time of it. And now, more than 100 invalids have been provided with excellent clothes. During the freezing weather the overcoats and sweaters warmed our bodies as well as our hearts.

"Because of your generosity, we are morally and spiritually uplifted and believe that our Lord Jesus Christ heard our prayers. He helped us by sending help from people like you. It is unlikely that any of us will ever hear your voices or see your faces; however, we will always remember your thoughtfulness and kindness. It is because of people like you that the word 'benefactor' has taken on new meaning and can be engraved in my heart.

"We hope that our organizations (SCC and the Society for the Blind) can adequately acknowledge your charity. May the good Lord keep you and bless you forever! May the giving hand be as joyful as the receiving."'

Because of dire economic circumstances in Ukraine, the SCC in Ukraine cannot be sustained by donations from people from Ukraine alone, but must depend on charitable donations from abroad. Activists of SCC are dedicated Christians who strive to help people who need it the most.

Americans for Human Rights in Ukraine (AHRU), a New Jersey-based human-rights organization, is appealing to people of good will to act during this Christmas season in the spirit of St. Nicholas and to contribute to Stephanus' charitable endeavors.

With your help, the poor and sick in Ukraine can become recipients of Christmas gifts of clothing, books, food and medication. If you wish to donate, please make out your checks to: AHRU-Stephanus and mail them to: AHRU, 43 Midland Place, Newark, NJ 07106. (The AHRU IRS employer number is 22-2318966.)