Water Means Hope
How does a person survive without water?
Michael* and Elena* wrestled with this question daily as living conditions became increasingly dire. Damage to regional infrastructure limited the water supply, causing the taps in their home to run dry. Left with nothing to drink—let alone cook or bathe with—the couple felt trapped as armed conflict drew ever closer to where they lived.
Not only were they without water, but like many of their neighbours, their own flesh-and-blood was defending the country from attack. They often wondered about the safety of their 30-year-old son, Sasha*, on the frontlines.
Now, Michael and Elena can care for Vira’s needs at home without having to worry about a freshwater supply.
Michael and Elena’s challenges were compounded by the needs of Vira*, their 20-year-old daughter with a disability. They couldn’t leave her alone to go hunt down water in the surrounding community; caring for her confined them to their home. They lived with fear, uncertainty, and exhaustion every day until a Samaritan’s Purse church partner showed up.
Help Just in Time
Toting multi-gallon plastic jugs, the church began bringing the struggling family a fresh supply of clean water every week! Without fail, the partners regularly brought hope in liquid form to their doorstep.
“When we received the first delivery of water, it was more than relief,” Michael said. “It felt like a reminder that God had not forgotten us. Hope returned to our home.”
Now, Michael and Elena can care for their daughter’s laundry needs with dignity and respect, thanks to the water they received.
Over 33 Million Gallons of Hope
God’s people demonstrated His love to this family at a dark time, allowing the light of Christ to shine. Alongside our church partners, the Samaritan’s Purse water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) team has delivered over 33 million gallons of water to suffering Ukrainians since 2022.
For Michael, the bottles of clean water from Samaritan’s Purse have become a symbol of life and God’s faithfulness.
“War disrupts and destroys everyday life, but when a family regains access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation, it restores a sense of stability and security. This is the first and most essential step toward rebuilding everything else,” said Yevhen Tumanov, a WASH technical officer with Samaritan’s Purse, who is himself displaced by the war.
“WASH projects enable us to stand alongside Ukrainian communities during their darkest times, bringing not only material assistance but also hope—the assurance that they are not facing their suffering alone.”
Michael and Elena find this to be true. As Christians for over 15 years, they also find specific comfort in the words of Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Today, every delivery of clean water they receive serves as a reminder that even amid chaos, God continues to work through His people. Water has become a symbol of life and His faithfulness.
Samaritan’s Purse has delivered over 33 million gallons of fresh water to struggling families like these since 2022.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the church partners, Samaritan’s Purse, and all donors who make this project possible. Because of this support, they receive much more than clean water—they are buoyed with hope for the future.
*Name changed for security.
Responding to the Crisis in Ukraine
Samaritan's Purse is providing food, clean water, and items such as solar lights and agricultural supplies to suffering families in Ukraine. We are also providing medical care to those in need. Partnering with local churches and others, we work in Jesus' Name to bring this urgently needed relief to people in areas of conflict.
