SGA-supported churches in neighboring countries may only have a day to help Ukrainian refugees as they pass through after fleeing their homes . . . and moving on hoping to find a safe place to live. But even a day can make an eternal difference in a hurting heart. And it is for that reason that our network churches in countries like Belarus have opened their doors to help families in need — including Nadezhda and her grandson Nikita.  

Nadezhda and Nikita were forced to leave their hometown in Ukraine as heavy fighting had destroyed most of what they had known. Nadezhda explains her journey as “wandering in a foreign unknown country.” The two of them are looking to the future, however, and they believe that one day they will be able to return to their homeland.   

As many are leaving behind memories, treasures and even loved ones, let’s continue to pray that their hearts would remain strong. And in their pain and suffering, we ask the Father that they will meet the “God who sees” (Genesis 16:13).  

Here is Nadezhda and Nikita’s story as shared by SGA-supported Pastor Pavel — who along with his congregation in Belarus — were blessed to minister to this small refugee family in need.  

 Nadezhda and her grandson Nikita (20 years old)

Nadezhda has difficulty getting around and, with the help of her grandson Nikita, they plan to get to safety in Poland. Their hometown is notorious for heavy fighting that destroyed almost the entire town. It is a very dangerous place. At this moment they are already at the entrance to Poland and don’t know at all where to go next, just to be safe. They are going to a refugee camp. 

Two months before the war began, Nikita’s mother and Nadezhda’s daughter was diagnosed with cancer. They had time to start treatment, but the war interrupted it. And with such a serious illness, regular treatment is very important. They were in the city under fire waiting for a chance to go to the nearest hospital. Subsequently, they continued their mother’s treatment. But unfortunately, time was lost, and she passed away this fall. Now the 20-year-old grandson is getting out with his grandmother to a safe place where they can live for a while. The grandmother walks very badly and has a hard time getting around, but the grandson is there for her, showing her care and attention. Gathering up the last of her strength, gathering her surviving belongings, Nadezhda and her grandson Nikita set off on an unknown journey.  

Nadezhda does not lose faith that she will be able to return to her homeland, because the homeland is the sweetest place. Yes, it is very dangerous there now, it is deadly and there is no more housing left, but there is faith that someday everything will change and wandering in a foreign unknown country will stop. 

When Nadezhda was packing her things, she took out a match. And she said: “that’s what was missing in [her home].” While she was packing her things, her grandson was drawing up documents for himself and his grandmother.”

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-sponsored 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, medicine, warm clothing, and shoes.