The War in Ukraine – One Year On
During a recent interview, Rev. Igor Bandura (vice president of IM’s Baptist partner in Ukraine) shared, “There are more generators running in Ukraine than anywhere else in the world.” This is just one reality of life one year into war.
Many Ukrainians—those who remained and those who left—continue to live in the middle space between deep grief and deep gratitude. What Rev. Bandura shares most about is the gratitude. When Russia invaded on February 24, 2022, IM’s supporting congregations, individuals, and the Baptist worldwide family responded quickly with generous donations that have provided for sustained relief activities.
You generously gave $1,366,000 in the past year through One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS)–Ukraine Relief. Your gifts combined with others around the world to provide more than $5,700,000 in humanitarian aid. You helped meet basic needs: food, shelter, heating, transport, and psychological assistance. The aid has been delivered by Baptist partners in Ukraine and neighboring countries; by your International Ministries global servants, including Carmella Jones, Becky and Larry Stanton, Amanda and Jon Good, Pieter and Nora Kalkman, and Kristy Engel; by Church World Service staff in Moldova; and by L’Arche staff in Ukraine.
One of the many challenges of ongoing war is that some of the same needs continue as long as the war continues. After a hurricane, the damage and needs can be readily assessed. Immediate needs can be met and longer-term planning can begin. Ongoing war presents a very different challenge, as many of the needs remain the same for an extended period of time. Today, sporadic shelling across the country continues, with Russian troops increasingly targeting civilian areas and critical infrastructure. This makes returning and beginning the long process of rebuilding impossible.
We face a long road ahead. Rev. Bandura asks for us to “think in terms of staying with Ukraine for the coming eleven years.” Your continued giving to OGHS-Ukraine Relief will enable us to do just that—be there not just for the time of war, but for the time of rebuilding.
Lisa Rothenberger
World Relief Officer