From leafy Esher to war-torn Kiev: David’s unexpected journey

From leafy Esher to war-torn Kiev: David’s unexpected journey

David Giles (above) came to last year’s CRE National as a valued volunteer – but months later, as a direct result, found himself in a war zone!

David joined the CRE team in Esher, assisting communications chief David Hall following a lengthy spell working in a similar capacity for the Salvation Army. Taking the decision to go freelance in October 2021, he recognised the importance of connectedness across Christian organisations.

‘I was fully committed to serving on the CRE team,’ he recounted, ‘but also recognised the value of meeting so many people in such diverse sectors at a major national gathering.’

One of the many interactive exhibits David encountered was OSCAR’s popular jobs board.

‘I noticed numerous opportunities to serve with Samaritan’s Purse through their DART programme [Disaster Assistance Response Team],’ he explained. ‘This immediately captured my attention as the role requirements aligned closely with my career trajectory.’

He was interviewed and accepted onto the roster earlier this year. In-depth training in humanitarian and emergency response protocols followed and he was asked to join the DART programme for six weeks in Kyiv this summer.

The Samaritan’s Purse response in Ukraine is the organisation’s biggest ever, with hundreds of team members serving together from countries as far flung as Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the US. A large number of Ukrainian Christians have also augmented the team, providing essential local knowledge and linguistic expertise. The response has included everything from medical treatment at an emergency field hospital to provision of clean water and essential food supplies.

‘My role has primarily focused on food logistics,’ explained David. ‘From a series of warehouses strategically located around the country, we’ve been able to provide for more than 3.5 million people, primarily in parts of Ukraine closest to the front lines where the need is greatest. It’s not at all glamorous! My days have been long, largely spent grappling with spreadsheets and booking complex truck movements. But there have been lighter moments, such as being able to drive ambulances in convoy to and from warm storage.’

Equipped with body armour and under strict security provisions, David visited the provincial cities of Vinnytsia and Dnipro – to support Samaritan’s Purse local warehouse teams and meet some beneficiaries.

‘I talked to a church leader whose congregation had instantaneously grown from 120 on a Sunday morning to around 1,200 because of the war,’ he recounted. ‘As a church growth strategy, that’s not to be recommended! But it’s indicative of the opportunities presented to the Ukrainian church, even as the missiles rain down.

‘CRE’s “Nothing beats being there” motto was certainly true in Kyiv. While UK coverage of the conflict has largely been truthful and accurate, experiencing the juxtaposition of air raid sirens and impromptu barricades alongside street musicians and elegant pavement cafes, has helped me understand the Ukrainian context more deeply. Locals were proud, welcoming and immensely grateful for the ministry being undertaken in Jesus’ name.’

David will be part of the CRE National 2022 team again next month.

‘You might come to CRE looking for a particular resource but God might have other ideas!’ he grinned. ‘Don’t ignore that still, small voice. It may be the start of a unique adventure!’

• Find out more about the Samaritan’s Purse DART programme here

Book your tickets to CRE National 2022 for as little as £3 (£8 on the door)

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