At the end of February, the Russian war machine began to roll across Ukraine borders from the north, east, and south, placing all of Ukraine territory under attack. Almost a year later, the conflict has internally displaced seven million people with another eight million taking refuge in surrounding countries. Entire cities and towns across Ukraine are in rubble from Russian missiles, with tens of thousands of civilians dead or injured.

BCM leadership in Ukraine has stepped forward into danger zones to help those in need, providing food, shelter, and medical supplies, evacuating orphan children to Germany where BCM ministry partners have provided sanctuary, providing care for hundreds of refugees in partially damaged building and church basements, ministering to internal refugee families, including outdoor and camp activities for displaced children, handicapped, and war victims, as well as helping board up and repair bomb-damaged homes.

In the midst of tragedy and violence, God has been working. The first BCM aid run into Bucha was celebrated with a worship service that had more than twelve hundred in attendance, a majority non-Christian. Every place the BCM Ukraine team takes aid, they also share the gospel. Many have accepted Christ, and many ask for Bibles along with their food aid. In fact, across Ukraine churches are seeing packed out worship services as hardship and desperation turn many Ukrainians to God.  

With no end to the conflict in sight, great challenges remain, especially as winter sets in. In many areas, there is still no electricity or running water. Firewood, warm clothing, and fuel for vehicles and generators are major necessities. Sickness is on the rise with much medical infrastructure destroyed and shortages of food and medicine. What is available is often too costly for purchase, especially with the high unemployment resulting from massive destruction and displacement. To add to the upheaval, the school year has started, but many Ukrainian schools have been destroyed or aren’t able to open. Many displaced children are having to study in a shelter or online.

“We still have a war,” expresses BCM field director Tima Anokhin. “Today more kids became orphans. More parents lost their kids. More people continue to die and disappear in occupied territories. We need your prayers. Please pray for those who are hearing God’s Word and receiving food packets that God will touch their hearts. Pray that God will continue to protect us and provide for a hard, cold winter ahead. Pray for a return of peace in our country. Thank you again for your prayers and support. We lean on our heavenly Father as we continue to serve those in need the ministry.”