Ukraine Crisis Update- 9/1/2022- When Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb 24 of this year, Baptists on Mission began mobilizing immediately. Currently we’re working in Poland, Moldova, Hungary and inside Ukraine with internally displaced people, particularly in the western part of Ukraine. We’ve had a long history of involvement in Eastern Europe and this has opened doors for us to minister across the region right now during the Ukraine war crisis.
Poland- From 1989-1993, NC Baptists had a partnership in Poland. NC Baptists built the seminary located just outside of Warsaw which is now being used to house Ukraine refugees and we are sending teams every week for the next 12 weeks. Those teams are also staying and working at the seminary. We also have teams working at other locations.
Moldova- Since May 1, 2022 we have been sending a weekly team of volunteers to work at the refugee center just outside of Chisinau - helping in the kitchen, helping with laundry, providing children's ministries, and general cleaning. NC Baptists have had a partnership with Moldova Baptists for the past 10+ years. Because of these relationships Moldova Baptists have asked us to help them with their refugee center which is housing about 300 refugees. These refugees – mostly women and children – can come at short notice. Some stay for a few days and then move further into Europe. Others are beginning to stay for longer periods, hoping to return home when it is safe to do so.
Hungary - Since 2008 we’ve been working in Hungary, Romania and Ukraine with a partner organization, Hungarian Baptist Aid (HBAid) and we are now assisting their relief work brought about by the war. Volunteers are working near the border assisting refugees who are crossing into Hungary. They provide hot meals and daily supplies as well as prepare sleeping arrangements for up to 60 people.
We are working at a warehouse owned by Hungarian Baptist Aid as well as schools they operate which are providing housing for refugees. Working with HBAid, NC volunteers are also helping with temporary housing for displaced families and providing food and essential supplies to families escaping Ukraine and going into Hungary.
Ukraine- From 1994-2000, NC Baptists had a full partnership with Ukraine Baptists. Now we are working with the Ukraine Baptist Union as well as the Lviv Seminary (UBTS). We are working to send funds to purchase food that is being taken into central and eastern Ukraine to feed people who are being housed in Baptist churches in the war zones. Baptists on Mission has sent funds to help purchase food, medical and baby supplies as well as hygiene items. Our partners, House of Hope, gather items and then provides them to Baptists churches who take them into the actual war zone to offer relief to people who have nowhere else to turn. Our hope is to have a long term partnership in Ukraine once the war has ended.
Working with HBAid, BOM volunteers are also working at a warehouse distributing supplies and ministering to 100,000 internally displaced people in a region of Ukraine that is near the border with Hungary. We are also setting up a mobile kitchen to provide hot meals as well as sending medical teams to help in that region of Ukraine.
There will be many additional opportunities to be on mission in Ukraine as soon as the war ends. Please pray for the war to end and pray for God to be glorified among the people of Ukraine.
Ukraine Crisis Update- 3/22/2022- The United Nations reports that more than 3.5 million refugees, mostly women and children, have fled Ukraine seeking shelter in neighboring countries. In addition, millions more are displaced within Ukraine. From 1994-2000, NC Baptists enjoyed a fruitful partnership with Ukrainian Baptists. Strong relationships were established with our Ukrainian brothers and sisters. We grieve and pray for them now in their hour of need.
We ask you to join us in prayer for families who have been separated, those who have lost loved ones, and those who are fleeing the violence in their country. Lift up those who are selflessly providing transportation, shelter, counseling, and needed supplies to the refugees – sometimes at great personal risk.
We also ask that you prayerfully consider helping through giving. On faith, Baptists on Mission has committed to send a significant amount of funding to assist people in the region. These funds are being used to purchase food, medicines, medical supplies, hygiene items, baby food, and other items to assist displaced Ukrainians. Through a trusted Christian partner, we have established ways of getting these items into Ukraine and to the local churches who are caring for internally displaced refugees. One way we are helping is through providing ready-to-eat meals, as many have no easy way to prepare food themselves. Tons of flour, yeast, and salt are being purchased and sent to local bakeries in the Ukraine, where it is made into loaves of bread. Individuals then receive a loaf of bread, a jar of sausage spread (a local favorite), and part of a cake, which will feed them for a day. We can provide this meal for $2 US. Your gifts to Baptists on Mission-Ukraine Crisis Relief will be a blessing to thousands of hurting people in the name of Christ. 100% of what you give will go to help meet this great need.
You Can Help Meet This Great Need- Send your donation to Baptists on Mission, PO Box 1107, Cary, NC 27512. Please put “Ukraine Crisis Relief” in the memo. You can also give online at www.baptistsonmission.org/ukrainegive
Ukraine Crisis Update- 3/13/2022- God has opened doors for us to send volunteers into Hungary and Poland to assist with refugees who have left Ukraine. Because of the war, things change often. Right now, we are sending volunteers to assist displaced refugees and we are keeping a list of potential volunteers who have a passport and would be willing to go and assist in relief efforts. We have had many more people to volunteer then we are able to send. Signing up will only put you on a list of potential volunteers if this was needed. One of the greatest needs right now is monetary donations to provide food, medical supplies, hygiene items and other essential supplies.
On faith, we have committed to sending a significant amount of funds to assist people in the region. These funds will be used for initiatives such as food, medicines/medical supplies, hygiene items and other assistance for displaced Ukrainians. Through a trusted partner, we are able to get these items into Ukraine and to the churches who are housing internally displaced Ukraine refugees. We are getting most of these items in Europe, so financial support is what is needed. Your gifts to Baptists on Mission -Ukraine Crisis will provide non-perishable food, toiletries, medical supplies, blankets and other essential needs for temporary housing. 100% of what you give will go to this effort. This is a great need.
Ukraine Crisis Update 3/1/22- Please continue to pray for the people of Ukraine. Pray especially for Ukraine Baptist pastors and churches during these difficult days. There are so many hurting people. Today we received a request to send teams to Hungary to help with the refugees who have crossed the border into Hungary. We also have a team that is leaving for Poland on Friday to assist with refugees who are coming into Poland. In addition, as NC Baptists we are also helping in Moldova. Today we also had discussions with Ukraine Baptists about helping in Ukraine now and once the Russian troops withdraw. All of these Baptist Unions are asking for our help and we are partnering with Hungarian Baptist Aid, Send Relief, Polish Baptists and Moldovan Baptists. For more information on ways that you can help go to https://baptistsonmission.org/ukraine-crisis
History of Involvement in the Region- From 1994-2000, NC Baptists had a full partnership with Ukraine Baptists. NC Baptist Churches sent hundreds of volunteers to purchase and renovate the seminary in Kiev, construct many churches across Ukraine, do medical, church planting and many other projects in Ukraine. There were many relationships that were established with our Ukrainian brothers and sisters and we grieve and pray for them now.
Through the Roma Partnership, Baptists on Mission have worked in the Carpathian region of Ukraine since 2008 and are now responding to the urgent need brought about by the ongoing conflict. Working with our partner organization and in-country personnel in Hungary, we are preparing to provide temporary housing for displaced families and providing food and essential supplies to families in Ukraine.
PRAY
Today and during your Sunday worship services, we are asking you to pray for Ukraine. Please pray:
- For Ukrainians. They are understandably scared. Yet, they remain hopeful for an end to this situation. Their faith is strong.
- For leaders around the world. Crucial decisions will be made in the coming days. Pray leaders have wisdom in those choices.
- For Christian leaders in the nations surrounding Ukraine. As people flee into these nations, they will have significant needs. God, give churches there the heart and resources to meet those needs as Christ would.
GIVE
On faith, we have committed to sending a significant amount of funds to assist people in the region. These funds are being used to assist displaced Ukrainians. Your gifts to Baptists on Mission will provide non-perishable food, toiletries, medical supplies and other essential needs for temporary housing. To Give by Check: Baptists on Mission, P. O. Box 1107, Cary, NC 27512. Memo: Ukraine Crisis
Give Online
GO
God has opened doors for us to send volunteers into Hungary and Poland to assist with refugees who have left Ukraine. Because of the war, things change often. Right now, we are sending volunteers to assist displaced refugees and we are keeping a list of potential volunteers who have a passport and would be willing to go and assist in relief efforts. We have had many more people to volunteer then we are able to send. Signing up will put you on a list of potential volunteers if this was needed.