And the war has left its mark, with district heating, gas and electricity supplies interrupted by Russian drone and rocket attacks. Many are internally displaced in their own country.
This is the experience of Danish European Mission's field coordinator Allan, who is regularly in Ukraine. Here he visits the church in Poltava, which the Danish European Mission cooperates with.
Located in eastern Ukraine, not far from the frontline, it distributes emergency aid to war refugees and people still living in villages very close to the frontline.
Allan met Natalya, a war refugee, among others. She told him: “Our neighbor's house was hit by an attack drone, so my windows were blown in. But it's still more peaceful to live here than in the city we fled from.”
Then she continued: ”The hope for peace is hanging by a thread as we try to get on with everyday life. It's very difficult.”
Natalya and many other war refugees expressed great gratitude for the help they receive: “Your help gives us hope in the midst of hopelessness. Thank you for your care.”
Dmitry, a pastor at our partner church, says: ”I've looked people in the eye and what they say to me, sometimes in tears, is that they are so grateful for the aid. Some of them grab my hands, squeeze them hard and say, ’We are so grateful.’”
Dmitry thinks for a moment before he says: ”We live in a time when just the fact that we are coming brings hope.” Thank you so much for extending a helping hand to those in need in Ukraine. The war is dragging on, but the local church can provide a hope that defies the tragic circumstances.
The local church can communicate God's love and care - not only in words, but also in a practical way through winter relief - in the midst of cold and darkness.
It costs 112 kr. to distribute a bag of food.
It costs 311 kr. to distribute a gas bottle with a top burner for cooking.
Electric heating blankets cost $307 each and can prevent illness in cold houses or apartments.
Most of all, please pray for Ukraine, for the people and for the churches that bring hope, encouragement and joy at a time like this.
