Ukraine Appeal Update: “Our hearts are very heavy"
More than 3 million Ukrainians have joined millions of other refugees in Europe. Among them, God has planted many Christians who are being faithful witnesses to the gospel of Jesus Christ. They do so even as they cope with their own fear, exhaustion, and want to do something, but are unsure about what is next. The Outreach Foundation has partnered with City Church in Lithuania to provide shelter for families who have fled Ukraine, and we are pleased to share the story of one family.
Meet Sergii, Nataliya, and her mother Evgeniya.
To see their selfie from a few months ago they could be any of us! Today they are refugees of this war.
Rivne, Ukraine is home — a small city located between Kyiv and Lviv. Before they fled, Sergii and Nataliya were active in their church. She taught Bible studies, led a widow’s ministry, worked with youth, and led several women to the Lord. He worked in the medical industry as an administrator and had just taken a new job to lead a new liver disease facility. Like many Ukrainians, they didn’t think the war would break out as it has, though since 2014 there has always been something disturbing in the air.
Overnight their routine was turned upside down. Yet rather than flee immediately they and their friends ministered to the refugees — providing food, shelter, water, praying, sharing God’s Word, and leading people to new faith. It didn’t take long though for circumstances to change. They and Evgeniya left hurriedly, packing very little, and made the arduous 48-hour trek to Lithuania.
They share what we’ve heard from others, that despite the anger and fear, people are being very nice. It is winter and cold. Churches place water, tea, and hot soup out for people to have as they go. For those who stay, people are offering shelter even in their homes. Traffic is denser than they thought possible, and many people walk, yet people are kind and patient with each other.
“Our hearts are very heavy.” They are glad to be safe, but for them, it is heart-wrenching to have left many friends behind. They only want to help others with their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. “God has given us a new sense of being one, the body of Christ, cooperating to share the good news.” This witness has left an indelible mark on them. They will never forget what the church has done to show God’s generous love. “Thank you,” they said.
Not surprisingly, their prayers are centered on others rather than themselves. Their number one prayer request is this: “We want everyone to pray for the spiritual revival of Ukraine. Because of this war, many people have discovered their true hunger for the Lord.” We prayed and read scripture. “You will turn my mourning into dancing” (Ps 30:11) — this is a promise that can only be grasped for those who mourn. They are sad but they have not lost hope in the Lord. Hope that He will use this all for glory, that somehow there is divine purpose at work.
This hope is driving them to want to return to Rivne in a few days, God willing, to dole out God’s hope to people who need it desperately. But if not there, they will stay and be part of City Church’s witness to the flood of refugees now coming to Poland and Lithuania.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Outreach Foundation is partnering with churches in Hungary, Ukraine, Poland, and Lithuania as members provide their homes to refugees, spread tables before strangers, and offer spiritual counsel. This powerful witness is having an impact already and we invite you to be part of multiplying the church’s efforts to share the gospel during this war. Please make your generous gifts to “European Initiatives: Ukraine Appeal” at The Outreach Foundation. You may make a gift HERE or by sending a check to our office.