One year ago, Russia invaded Ukraine unleashing a humanitarian crisis in Europe. Millions were forced to flee their homes. People like you made it possible for IAFR to quickly respond. We continue to help today.

We are listening to the Church in Ukraine.

Our priority all along has been to partner with local churches in Ukraine. These communities of faith are embedded in nearly every Ukrainian city and village. We are listening to them and helping the Church at large assist and partner with them.

Who is better able to inform us of the current situation and priority needs, than such fellowships?

We are working directly with the Ukrainian people.

A report by The New Humanitarian this week noted, “There are a lot of people falling through the cracks.” While NGOs are doing the best they can, they are “still falling short: bogged down by bureaucracy and human resources”.

It continues, “Aid might prove more effective if international NGOs had taken the time to adapt their programmes to the local context”. It observes, “As the international community makes slow progress, Ukrainian organisations and volunteers [including local churches] are leading the response – often at great personal risk.”

The advantage of working with the Church in Ukraine

Because of the nature of the Church, we are able to work differently than large international humanitarian agencies. We can start by listening to our brothers and sisters on the ground and let them inform our response to the situation.

The urgent need today: "Please help our pastors!"

They now tell us that the greatest need is to help pastors with rent, heating, and electrical bills so that they are not forced out of their homes. The people of Ukraine are relying on these shepherds more than ever as their lives have been upended and they have suffered unimaginable losses.

We are helping 40 of the most vulnerable pastors in Ukraine.

Our partner church near the border of Ukraine with Slovakia received a list of 40 Ukrainian pastors in serious need of such help. They wrote, “It is clear from the list that we have acquired the most difficult cases, judging by the place of origin.”

An uprooted pastor on the front lines

Like all of the pastors we are trying to help, Pastor Vasyl was forced to flee his home due to the war. Along with many members of his church, he was evacuated to the city of Dnipro where he now cares for over 200 people forcibly displaced by the war.

"Despite the power outages, the constant threat to life due to missile attacks, and the uncertainty of the future, Pastor Vasyl rejoices. People hear about Christ and let Him come into their hearts. Often through great trials."

The need to help pastors like Vasyl remains urgent. Winter conditions and the devastation of war are making life tough for them as they serve their people.

Please pray with us that God will provide $10,000 by the end of this month for this purpose.