News From Ukraine: Friday, April 1
See the complete archive of news, updates, and prayer requests from Lifesong Ukraine here.
It’s now been one month since Russia invaded Ukraine.
A quick Google search can show you how Ukraine is responding (courageous military efforts, evacuation of women and children) and how the West is responding (sanctions, supplies, weapons).
But we’re thankful to amplify the voices of our team on the ground to share how the Church—both in Ukraine and in surrounding countries—is responding.
We hopped on a quick Zoom call with our team members in Ukraine and Poland yesterday. Denis, director of Lifesong Ukraine, gave an update on the team’s relief and evacuation efforts.
Listen in as Denis shares…
A few key takeaways from Denis:
- Our team has 10 vehicles total operating for both evacuation and relief supplies delivery. Our team is focusing on high-risk people first, such as crisis families, single mothers with children, and those with special needs.
- Our distribution center in Kharkiv is serving 1,500 people every day.
- The team has evacuated more than 30,000 people from the east to the west, and many have transitioned into Poland.
- In Poland, between two camps and integration centers, more than 1,200 people have been served alongside our church partners.
Our conversation also gave an important look into the work our team in Poland is doing on behalf of Ukrainian refugees. We met three young leaders: Aleks and Ksenia, and Sasha.
A few facts to note about these three new faces:
Aleks and Ksenia first got involved with Lifesong Ukraine nine years ago. They moved from Ukraine to Poland a few years ago but remained connected with our Lifesong team over time. When the conflict broke out in Ukraine this past month, they immediately reached out to our team to see how they could be most helpful. Having already gone through the immigration process in Poland, their language and legal skills are so important to helping refugees.
Sasha grew up in an orphanage where he got to know the Lifesong team. One of our team members, Igor, became his mentor. And once Sasha graduated from the orphanage, he joined the Lifesong team as a coordinator for our job skills program. (His family has an incredible story that you can watch here!) He moved to Poland to help coordinate Lifesong’s centers for Ukrainian refugees.
Listen in to Aleks, Ksenia, and Sasha…
Our plan in Poland is threefold:
- Make sure we have enough safe housing, food, and medical care for refugees when they first cross the border.
- Establish our own camp facility to provide people with longer-term safe housing and a better understanding of what to do next.
- Begin job skill training and language education for refugees who have to begin from square one.
“We’ve just gotten started. Our dream is to serve refugees for a long time, not just for a short time.”Ksenia Serving Ukrainian Refugees in Poland
Please pray for Ukraine and specifically:
- For peace in Ukraine and the war to end.
- For God to provide properties where our team can establish long-term operations in Poland. As you can imagine, the demand for everything in Poland has skyrocketed—especially real estate. Please pray for provision.
- That God would raise up people in Poland to care for the hearts and souls of refugees, not just their physical needs.
- For Sasha’s reunion with his wife and son to be sweet. They plan to join him in Poland within the next week.
- For all driving across Ukraine (either evacuating civilians or delivering relief materials) to make the trip safely.
A few photos recently shared by our team:
Thanks to TMG Foundation and key partners, all of our fundraising and administrative costs are covered. 100% of your gift will directly support vulnerable children and families in Ukraine.
See the complete archive of news, updates, and prayer requests from Lifesong Ukraine here.
Ukraine Prayer Updates
Get these updates and prayer requests delivered to your inbox.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Host a Prayer Meeting
Gather community members, church members, your family, your small group… for a time of updates and concentrated prayer. Share the latest video update from our team (above) and pass out this list of verses. Pray through the verses as a group.
Organize a Day of Prayer & Fasting
Spread the word to your local church and commit to 24 hours of corporate fasting and prayer.
Stay Updated on Current Prayer Requests
Continue to check in with trusted organizations in Ukraine to see the most pressing and urgent needs. Pray for these needs specifically!
Financially Support Ukraine Relief
The financial needs for food, fuel, safety, and housing through Lifesong Ukraine will be very significant. Beyond immediate needs, the financial needs for rebuilding will also be immense. You can partner financially by giving a gift here.
Thanks to TMG Foundation and key partners, all of our fundraising and administrative costs are covered. 100% of your gift will directly support vulnerable children and families in Ukraine.