Four women have fled their homes in different parts of Ukraine as the war has intensified. And all have arrived in a region where an SGA-supported church is now ministering to them and their families’ physical and spiritual needs.

Pain and fear also unite these women. They pray for peace in Ukraine, for warmth in the upcoming winter months, and for safety for their loved ones. Pray with us for these precious souls that even in the midst of war, they will be drawn to the Father and seek refuge in Him.

Natalya

Natalya: My name is Natalya. I evacuated to [this region in Ukraine] with two children, as the situation in our town was unbearable. I hope it all ends soon.

Question: What was especially difficult?

N: There are no schools, except for those with Russian tutoring, and they forced to send children to their schools. No jobs was there. We are living here for the third week, renting an apartment. I don’t know what will happen next.

Q: What do you feel now?

N: I still feel fear and anxiety. During the last two attacks here in the city, it was especially scary. In fact, we did not have such shelling at home, as here in [this region in Ukraine].

Q: What is the most difficult thing for you in this situation?

I don’t know . . . probably the most difficult is fear for the children’s lives.

Q: But everything will be fine

N: I hope that everything will be fine and there will be Ukraine! God willing!

Yaryna

Yaryna: My name is Yaryna. We came to [this region of Ukraine] from [a different] area, which was shelled 24 hours a day. We have just started to leave the stress behind, while last night here was truly a horrible one. It was very scary! We are thankful to the people who provide support to such families as ours, especially as my daughter is here with a little one.

Question: What are you experiencing now?

Y: Fear. Fear for tomorrow. Recently, a house near us collapsed; the other was in fire. I am worrying for my children.

Q: What is the most difficult for you?

Y:  Pain . . .  it is sort of a bunch of painful feelings, as I am realizing that we live just one moment at a time now.

Q: Well, let’s believe that everything will end soon.

Y: God willing!

Valentina

Valentina: My name is Valentina. We are from [a different region in Ukraine]. Out town has been bombed for seven months now. Our children found an apartment for us here in [this region of Ukraine], where we live now. We can still attend doctors here and continue medical treatment. However, they say that the medics are leaving [this region of Ukraine], because the city is heavily bombed. During air raids, we are hiding in the basement or in the bathroom. Thank God for keeping us alive.

Question: What do you feel?

V: We are very grateful for your help, for addressing our needs, as it is getting colder and we need a blanket and food, and a first aid kit, I am very grateful to you for such a timely help. Thank you!

Q: We need to survive another winter, right?

V: Yes, we need to survive this winter. I do not know how we will endure. We see that people living nearby suffered from destructions, therefore we are experiencing fear and are stressed out . . . I do not have any idea how we will survive.

Q: You will, God willing, you will survive.

V: I was passing by a church, a small Orthodox church, not far from our place, in the park. I stopped and came in to pray to the Holy Mother and asked for help. And then I found out that you provide help! Thank you for attending to our needs at the time of difficulty!

Q: You can also come to our gatherings at 2 p.m. on Sundays, in this building.

V: We hope we can come. Thank you for everything!

XXXXX

W: We came from the occupied territory. When the hostilities began, I took my three children and came to [this region of Ukraine]. My husband stayed at home.

Q: Whom do you live here with?

W: My three children and I. We rent an apartment.

Q: What do you feel now?

W: Well, at first, we were sort slowly recovering from all the events back home. But when the shelling also started here, the fear and anxiety returned. I am worrying for my kids.

Q: What is the hardest thing for you right now?

W: When they shoot; the fear of what is going on around. I want so much the things to be okay again; it feels like I have no strength to carry on.

In a time of great uncertainty, God is bringing help, healing, and hope to the people of Ukraine through SGA-supported pastors, churches, a seminary, and SGA-sponsored Compassion Ministry. Be a part of God’s incredible work with your generosity and prayer support.

Your gift of compassion helps struggling people with emergency aid that generally includes Scripture materials, food, medicine, warm clothing, and shoes.