Providing Physical and Living Water in Ukraine

Every day, the aroma of freshly baked bread filled Sergey’s* family bakery in eastern Ukraine. Together they delivered bread across their city amidst the backdrop of everyday sounds—the hum of traffic, the laughter of children playing, and the barking of dogs.

When the frontline of war reached their town, Sergey’s family left behind all they had to seek refuge away from the conflict—their home, their city and their community destroyed. In the weeks that followed, a future without reliable water, electricity or food became their new reality.

Despite the turmoil, Sergey was determined to be the difference between hope and despondency for this family and his fellow countrymen. He would travel out towards the conflict zone to assist in evacuating residents still trapped in their homes for fear of ongoing rocket fire. For months, Sergey’s bravery saved hundreds of lives.

When Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DART) reached the Sergey’s town. They provided he and his family with the resources and equipment to set up a bakery—with enough supplies to sustain their community for six months. With the city’s water sources destroyed by shelling, Water and Sanitation/Hygiene specialists drilled a borehole well to supply filtered water to the bakery and the community.

Sergey’s new bakery provided not just essential food but also much needed water for the sheltering community. The bakery also provided viable employment to those assisting with the bakery’s production and delivery services. He and his family transformed their hardship into an avenue for God to be glorified in their community. The bakery and community water well now function to fulfil critical needs for food and safe drinking water. Through word and deed, the hope of Christ is being shared by Sergey and his family in war-torn communities surrounding Pokrovsk.