Here are the stories of Victoria, Tetiana, Natalia, Liubov, Nelia, and Kateryna shared with us by SGA-supported Pastor Dima, who serves in an embattled region in Ukraine. As you read their words, you will see how these six women have suffered greatly. But we can rejoice in seeing how God’s people have come to their aid, and praise Him for the care He has made possible through Dima’s congregation, as well as another SGA-supported church led by Pastor Vlad.

“We receive funds every month to help people in the frontline areas,” Dima shares. “I couldn’t record the testimonies there because of the shelling. So I write these testimonies . . . for these people who donate to SGA for our people.”

Though they have received much-needed food aid and supplies, Victoria, Tetiana, Natalia, Liubov, Nelia, and Kateryna have yet to come to faith in Jesus. Please read their stories and remember that the war rages on in Ukraine, and the churches we serve continue to need us to be faithful in serving along with them. Hold fast, pray and press on!

Here are the six testimonies as shared from Dima . . .

Testimony #1

My name is Victoria. I used to live in the Zaporizhzhia region. In March 2022, I came [here] from my occupied hometown. Living after the occupation became impossible. Today, the occupiers live in my own house. I came with one suitcase to my relatives, who hosted me. There is no opportunity to rent a house. I receive a small pension and benefits for IDPs [internally displaced persons]. Your help is very significant. I am grateful to you and the people who care about us.

Testimony #2

My name is Tetiana. Our town in the Zaporizhzhia region has been under occupation since the beginning of the war. We fled our hometown under fire with my daughter. Now we rent a house [here]. My daughter is studying at a medical university. We have to pay for her education, so we really need support from your organization. The war has taught me to pray to God, I have never prayed before, but now I believe that He hears me and helps me.

Testimony #3

My name is Natalia. I came from the occupied city in the Zaporizhzhia region. On April 7, 2022, I came [here] with my family. Our city was occupied from the very beginning of the war. We absolutely did not want to leave our home, but because of the constant shelling we had to stay in the basement. There was no gas, no water, no electricity. We were collecting the rainwater. We were given only one piece of bread per family, and there were six of us in the family. The attitude of the occupiers was unbearable. It’s very hard to think back. We decided to flee to Zaporizhzhia. Now we live in a dormitory. After a large and comfortable house, it is hard to sit inside of four walls. I am very grateful to all the volunteers and organizations that help. Thank you not only for your help, but also for the opportunity to hear about God and His love for every sinner.

Testimony #4

My name is Liubov, and I came from the town of Huliaypole. I am the only one left. My son worked on a farm as a tractor driver, and in the summer of 2023, during field work, five young men were killed by an enemy shell. Among them were my son and my nephew. There are two little daughters left in my nephew’s family. Life has lost its meaning, and even the fact that we no longer have a home doesn’t upset me because the heaviest loss is my only son. I was waiting for my grandchildren and told my son to hurry up with getting married, but he was in no hurry and so that I would not bother him with my instructions, he bought me a puppy. He said that until you have grandchildren, it will be your company.  And so it is—now it is the only comfort I have. In Zaporizhzhia, I rented a house and a rocket hit the house in broad daylight. I was not hurt, thank God! It’s a miracle! I continue to live and thank God for all the circumstances, although sometimes it is really hard to be thankful! I am awaiting the victory. Thank you for your help to everyone who cares!

Testimony #5

My name is Nelia. I came from Orikhiv. We left there, because of the constant shelling. Our house was destroyed. We were sitting in the basement, hiding from the shelling. We are looking forward to the victory and really want to return to our home. We want to rebuild our house and live in our homeland. My children live [in another city]. I am so worried about them. It’s too dangerous to stay there because of the constant shelling, but they absolutely do not want to leave. I pray and read Psalm 90. Your help is very important for me and for all the IDPs. We are extremely short of money. After the nervous stresses and staying in the basement, my health is completely broken. All my money goes to rent and medical treatment.

Testimony #6

My name is Kateryna. I came [here] in September 2022 from an already occupied village. I could not live under the rule of the occupiers, who said they came to protect us. Their attitude was unbearable. With weapons in their hands, they feel like they are the owners of our land. I left, but my husband stayed there and later died under occupation. I don’t even know how he was buried and where. I miss him a lot! The war took my husband from me, with whom we lived our whole life. Now invaders live in our house, which we built together with my husband. My children left for Europe from the occupied Enerhodar. I don’t receive any social benefits here, I live in a dormitory with two other IDPs. Thank you for your help, support, and literature. This is the only encouragement for me, because I am experiencing loss, hopelessness, terrible pain, and despair. But I am grateful for the good people and the church to which God brought me!

In a time of great uncertainty, God is bringing help, healing, and hope to the people of Ukraine through SGA-supported pastors, churches, a seminary and SGA-supported Compassion Ministry. Be a part of God’s incredible work with your generosity and prayer support.

Your gift of compassion helps struggling people with emergency aid that generally includes Scripture materials, food, and hygiene supplies.