The Toll of Human Suffering in Ukraine

Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the ongoing war and violence in Eastern Ukraine have left in their wake a tidal wave of human suffering and pain. The violence has killed or injured thousands and uprooted hundreds of thousands! The toll has been especially heavy upon the elderly and the orphans. Those who lack mobility and who aren’t easily able to find shelter have suffered and are suffering still!

Ap Photo Dmitry Lovetsky

Cities Destroyed

In a matter of a few months cities in Eastern Ukraine have gone from bustling societies with robust economies and lively populations to burned-out shells that dimly represent their former glory. Those left in these war-torn areas are often left without money, without electricity, without water, without food on the shelves of the stores or medicines in the pharmacies!

Their plight is desperate and their outlook on the future is grim.

Christians Affected

Numerous churches, Christian schools and other Christian organizations have been seized by rebel forces and been forced out of their places of worship, study and ministry! Amazingly many of the believers who have chosen to stay in the conflict zone are using every opportunity they have to continue serving the needy, preaching the gospel, and bringing the hope of Christ to those in desperate need of everything!

Help on Its Way

In response to this great humanitarian crisis, our team of ABWE missionaries established the “Ukraine Crisis Fund.” The purpose of the fund is to give aid to those affected by the current crisis in Ukraine. All funds are given either through local church connections or with the council of church leaders. Our desire is that the funds would not only help those in need materially and physically but would also strengthen the church’s ability to share the hope of Jesus with those they are ministering to.

Over the last three months donors have given nearly  $25,000 to the Ukraine Crisis fund. I wanted to take a few minutes to let you know how those funds are being used.

What’s Been Done

• We’re helping a children’s home that is housing 62 orphan refugees install windows before winter and build proper beds. We’ve also purchased some basic food items for them and all this has been done with the help of local churches and a Christian organization that works with these orphans.
• We’ve helped two churches in Lugansk region who are actively ministering in the war zone. One church of 30 members is doing its best to care for around 600 displaced people. Another church, despite the fact that their building was seized, is working to care for about 20 disabled.
• Several churches in Dontesk region have also received aid through this fund which will help them provide for the basic needs of those that they minister to.
• Twice we’ve helped sponsor an evangelistic group that ministers to soldiers in the Kherson region.
• We’ve given significant aid to help house several refugee families who are living in a church facility in Odessa.

Thank You!

If you have given to the Ukraine Crisis fund I want to thank you and to convey the gratitude of the refugees and those in the Eastern Ukraine whom you have helped! Our Ukrainian brothers and sisters also say

“Thank you!”