Strengthening the Faithful in Ukraine

Andriy*, like many Ukrainians, continues to endure cold and conflict as winter drags on, defying the calendar’s declaration of spring. But with the help of a sleeping bag, thermos, power bank, and other essential items from Samaritan’s Purse, he is among hundreds who now have hope as they battle winter without heat and electricity.

“The constant [conflict] takes its toll. The nerves can’t handle it,” said 51-year-old Andriy.

The resident of Kyiv lives with his 91-year-old mother and served as her caregiver until two years ago when he suffered from a stroke that paralysed the left side of his body. With mother and son now both confined to their beds, they cannot make it to shelters when things get worse.

“We stay at home and pray,” Andriy said.

Even in these conditions, he refuses to give in, waking each day at 5:00 a.m.

“I work on my arm and leg, read, and try to recover. I pray to God that one day I can walk again,” Andriy said. “Earlier, I wasted so much nervous energy. Then I took my example from my mother—she read the Bible and trusted God. Now I do the same. I only pray—nothing helps me more than the Lord.”

The Lord’s provision is evident to Andriy. The family has a social worker who brings food, helps with household tasks, and provides encouragement. The emergency kit from Samaritan’s Purse is another blessing.

The sleeping bag, power bank, and more become a lifeline for the family when the power, water, and heat go out.

“I am very grateful for your help. I never even imagined this! Now I know for certain that I can get through the winter with your kit and God’s help,” Andriy said.

Sustaining Prayer

Maria*, 73, also lives in Kyiv, and twice in the last nine months, her windows have shattered in the conflict.

“It was loud and frightening. I kept praying,” she said. “The only thing that helps and sustains me is prayer to God.”

She frequently lets Psalm 90 guide her petitions: “Return, O LORD! How long? And have compassion on Your servants. Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days! Make us glad according to the days in which You have afflicted us, the years in which we have seen evil” (13-15).

Maria’s family endured the communist era in Ukraine, where it was dangerous to profess their faith in Jesus Christ.

“My parents were also believers, but in the USSR, you could not openly say that you believed in God. So, we hid, but we quietly prayed at home,” she said.

As she grew, Maria was shunned for her faith at school, and when teachers joined in the taunts, she came home distressed. Her father, who had endured significant persecution himself, reassured her that God sees everything, is always near, and there is no reason to be afraid.

Those words became a foundation for Maria that she’s carried with her through the years.

Now Maria gets around on crutches as her lifelong struggle with mobility has worsened.

She finds comfort in the supplies provided to her by Samaritan’s Purse, including a sleeping bag, thermos, hot water bottle, rinse-free body wash, portable handwashing container, wet wipes, six litres of water, disposable hand warmers, power bank, and battery-powered flashlight with spare batteries. These practical items provide relief and remind her that God cares and she is not alone in her difficulties.

Please pray for Andriy, Maria, and the many Ukrainians who are suffering. Ask God to strengthen believers by His power as they continue to hold out the light of Christ for their fellow countrymen even as Samaritan’s Purse staff and church partners come alongside them with supplies given in Jesus’ Name.

*Name changed for security

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