Sometimes the trials in our lives can become overwhelming. We can feel that we are at the bottom and in our darkest hour . . . with no way forward. But it is often there that God in His love meets us.

Much like the criminal on the cross in Luke 23:32–44, in those moments when all seemed lost, God can reframe it for our good and His glory. When we see the end, we can make sense of the suffering along the way. But in some cases, we simply encounter those suffering who have not yet come to know the fullness of God’s love in Christ. We can pray for them, and support those who minister to them.

Here is one such woman who has suffered in Ukraine from the ravages of war. We pray that, through the compassion shown to her by an SGA-supported church, she will come to see God’s purposes in leading her to Him.

My name is Olena. I am 51 years old and an internally displaced person from [a region in] Ukraine.

In May 2022, I was on my way to receive humanitarian aid when I came under shelling. I suffered severe shrapnel injuries. I tried to stop the bleeding by myself. I still remember with horror everything that happened—the unbearable pain and being covered in blood. A young man came to help me and called an ambulance.

The doctors performed surgery and removed the large pieces of shrapnel, but I needed several more operations. At that time, the city had not yet been occupied, although heavy fighting was already taking place. I waited for a humanitarian evacuation corridor and was able to leave for [a different city].

In the hospital, I underwent several additional surgeries. Doctors performed skin grafts to reconstruct my leg. Small fragments of shrapnel still remain in my leg because they cannot be safely removed.

I spent more than a month in the hospital and was granted Group II disability status. My leg is constantly swollen, and I cannot stand for long periods of time. Nevertheless, life goes on, and I thank God for that.

Today, my hometown is under occupation, and my apartment has been completely destroyed. I have nowhere to return. My parents have passed away, and sadly, I was never able to start a family.

At present, I live in a dormitory. I am in need of medications, bed linens, and basic kitchenware.

Thank you very much for your kindness and support.