We all know that Christmas is a special time of joy, hope, and peace for everyone! It’s a time when people gather to celebrate God’s love to all nations, to all people around the world; To celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. But for the people of Ukraine, this Christmas tells a different story…
For many of us living in Ukraine, this Christmas and all the passing year has been a profound journey of faith, a testament to the enduring power of Christ’s hope and prayer in the midst of turmoil. Amidst the ongoing war, we found joy and strength in His Word, ministry, and knowing that so many of you are standing with us, praying, and supporting!»
«Ukraine On Mission» continues to support Christian leaders and evangelical churches in Ukraine in their missional and humanitarian initiatives.
Because of your love and generous donations, this year we were able to help over 2000 refugees with food and clothing. Each family we helped has its own unique story. Some of them lost everything. Some refugees come from places like Mariupol or Berdyansk, towns that have been occupied and there is little hope for them to return home. Others left their damaged apartments and have no home to return to. Some lost their loved ones and now live in temporary module homes by themselves.
Refugees face immense hardships such as loss of homes, livelihoods, and often, family members. By offering support and Christian care we show that they are not forgotten and that there is God and His people who care enough to help. This is a powerful source of hope for Ukrainian families facing uncertainty and displacement.
Another way we help is by empowering local leaders in the calling. This year we have supported a church in Mena, a town in the northeast of Ukraine, that has undergone Russian occupation. When local leaders and church elders fled the town, young people stepped up and remained faithful. After Ukrainian authorities had reclaimed this town, the church could freely assemble again. The Church has become more than a building for the locals; it’s a place where locals receive help and care. It is a beacon of hope for the disheartened. It’s a place of joy, a place where people hear and receive the Good News of Jesus Christ.
We have also supported several projects organized by Lviv Central Baptist Church: Green Christian Fellowship for women refugees, Wave Music school, and Christian children’s soccer club “Colibri” providing help and scholarships for refugees.
For refugee children, who have faced disruptions and traumas, engaging in fellowship, music, and sports can offer a sense of normalcy and routine. It also serves as a therapeutic outlet for women and children to express themselves, receive encouragement, and cope with stress and anxiety.
For the local church, it’s also an opportunity to establish relationships with families and share the message of Christ in a way that is engaging and relevant to their interests and age.
This Christmas, the usual festivities are replaced with a deeper reflection, a collective yearning for a return to days filled with unclouded laughter and unguarded moments of happiness. It is a season marked not by what is present, but by what is profoundly missed, and yet, a time where the resilience of the human spirit shines through.
The people of Ukraine carry within them the true essence of the season – a resilient hope that outlasts the darkest of winters, a peace that endures beyond conflict, and a joy that blooms even in adversity. This Christmas, while not as traditionally joyful, hopeful, and peaceful, is a poignant reminder of the enduring strength and unity of a nation standing together through the storm.
As scripture says in Hebrews 13:16, “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
Your generosity is a living example of these words. Thank you for sharing joy, hope, and peace with so many here in Ukraine.”
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to each of us!
