Russia continues to send rockets over Ukraine and like last year, Ukrainians, especially in the eastern part of the country, can look forward to a dark and cold winter.
With the support of Danish European Mission donors and intercessors, local Christians close to the frontline can help those in need, including in the small village of Dolgenkoe on the border between Kharkiv and Donetsk regions.
The village was at the epicenter of heavy fighting and shelling. Infrastructure and houses were destroyed by Russian military. The once prosperous village with a population of 850 people now lies in ruins.
When the Ukrainian army retook the Kharkiv region, only about 30 people decided to return to Dolgenkoe. Many are afraid to return as everything is uncertain and there are many mines under the grass.
In the fall, delegates from the Church of the Light of Life, which Danish European Mission's improvers and donors support, visited the village and surveyed the needs of the residents.
Igor and Misha haven't given up
Igor and his son Misha are among the brave ones who have returned. Without their home, farm and livelihood, they started collecting ammunition boxes left behind by the Russian army and using them as building materials.
Restoration work is underway on their house and the boxes are also used in their vegetable garden to grow vegetables. They are getting ready to spend the winter in the village. Igor says that even after they lost everything they owned, they didn't feel like beggars as they live on their own land where they can grow crops that can provide food. All the residents of Dolgenkoe were very grateful for the help brought by the church relief team.
Those who have returned live in modular houses provided by the state.
In December 2023, the church brought new gas cylinders with top burners for cooking, boxes of food and even mouse poison because mice are a plague. Everyone was incredibly grateful for the help and the church's relief team spoke hope to the villagers who have lost hope for better times and peace.
Thank you so much for praying for Ukraine, for the Christian relief teams and all who are suffering.
- It costs 89 kr. to give vulnerable people a bag or box of food.
- It costs 239 kr. to give an electric blanket to vulnerable people in Ukraine. Without heat, houses and apartments can become unhealthy damp, but electric blankets provide comfortable sleep and prevent illnesses that might otherwise occur.
- A gas bottle with top burner for cooking costs 360 kr.
Thank you for any gift for vulnerable Ukrainians.
