As war rages on, Eastern Ukraine continues to suffer. Relentless shelling has forced thousands to leave behind their houses and farms to find temporary shelter elsewhere.
A Samaritan’s Purse partner named Nataliya is leading a team of Ukrainians to help their fellow citizens in the region. Over the past year, they have provided over 350 families with emergency shelter materials such as tarp, plexiglass, and oriented strand board (like particle board) to help them patch together what is left of their homes.
“Even if three windows need to be fixed, we will come,” Nataliya said.
She is determined to bring hope to broken hearts.
“Plexiglass is like a miracle,” said Nataliya. “It brings light into homes.” Where opaque materials have covered windows for months, sometimes hope takes the form of a clear piece of plastic.
Before a Russian incursion, the house that Valeria* grew up in was filled with love and laughter as the home for her and her husband, their children, and grandchildren. But all that changed when artillery broke their 22 windows and left their walls damaged. Only because the roof did not collapse was the family able to stay in their home that overflowed with so many memories.
“Our windows were just covered with a film that was constantly torn by the wind,” Valeria said. “It was very cold in the house.”
But Nataliya’s team arrived with hope—in the form of plexiglass—and repaired all their windows.
Relieved, Valeria said, “The house became warm and light.”
An older homeowner named Kateryna* appreciated not only the physical repairs a similar Christian partner provided, but also the spiritual support of these volunteers.
“When the war started, anxiety increased in my heart,” Kateryna said. “It is very difficult for me to be alone; I have very bad thoughts about what will happen next.”
NATALIYA (SECOND FROM LEFT) AND HER TEAM WORK HARD TO MINISTER TO THEIR FELLOW UKRAINIANS WHO ARE IN HARM’S WAY.On top of this emotional struggle, her house was badly damaged, leaving her with a leaky roof.
“Volunteers started coming to my village. They provided help and hope. Thanks to the repairs provided by the volunteers, it became warmer, and the rain does not drip on my head. If I had not received this help, my soul would have continued to suffer.”
Nataliya and her team are grateful for Samaritan’s Purse assistance as they aid people like these.
“We can call and talk to you about more than reports,” Nataliya said. “You support not only through partnerships, but also spiritually.”
Please pray for our partners as they care for their fellow citizens affected by war. Pray also for the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ to flood anxious hearts and souls who are overwhelmed by the ongoing conflict.
