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It is difficult to believe that the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues nearly three weeks after this war began.
The images of the devastation of the country’s infrastructure are difficult to look at. But the images of the displaced families and the heartbreak of the refugees are heartbreaking.
It was recently reported that an estimated 564 Ukrainian civilians, including 41 children have died during this invasion.
Just a few days ago it was estimated that 2.5 million refugees have left Ukraine. These numbers are devastating for these families as well as the communities that they are going to in search of shelter.
Christians Are Called To Help In Time Of Need
We know as Christians that prayer is the number one need for a crisis of this magnitude. Encourage members to pray and create organized prayer opportunities. Lead by example and share prayer points on your church’s social platforms.
Many churches are asking members for donations to help with relief efforts. Some have connections to organizations on the ground in Ukraine.
However, churches that don’t, should consider promoting established organizations with shared values that are already on the ground.
Established charities have the resources and volunteers. But most importantly these organizations have the logistical infrastructure to get help to the needy quickly.
8 Charities Working To Help Ukraine
1. Red Cross
The Red Cross is a well-established charity that has been on the ground in Ukraine, helping people cope with this crisis.
The Red Cross is providing food and hygiene parcels to families while providing first aid training to more than 12,000 people in metro stations and bomb shelters.
This organization has delivered more than 32 tons of food, blankets, medicine, medical supplies, trauma kits, and household items.
“Many of the people affected were already vulnerable before the conflict and now face an even harsher situation as they are losing their homes and their livelihoods, being forced to seek shelter wherever they can, or fleeing their country in search of safety. They urgently need food, water, and shelter, but also emergency medical care, protective measures, and psychosocial support to avert an even greater humanitarian catastrophe,” said Birgitte Bischoff Ebbesen, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Regional Director for Europe.
Birgitte Bischoff Ebbesen, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Regional Director for Europe.
Learn more about Red Cross in Ukraine here.
2. Operation Blessing
Operation Blessing is on the ground in Ukraine and is supplying food, hot meals, water, generators, and fuel. These generators provide a priceless lifeline for families with no power to charge their phones. Without them, they would have no way to contact loved ones.
“Operation Blessing is committed to staying in Ukraine and helping the Ukrainian people for as long as possible. We continue to pray for the people of Ukraine.”
President Gordon Robertson
Learn more about how you can help Operation Blessing here.
3. World Vision
World Vision is a global Christian humanitarian organization that partners with children, families and their communities to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.
This organization is helping at the border of Romania helping the refugees through this difficult life-changing transition.
We’re working to find accommodations for refugees, provide food and phone cards, and help people get transportation to their desired destinations. We are organizing teams to provide psychosocial support and counseling. We want children to be safe and we’re working to create programs that are protective and caring.”
Alberto Roca of World Vision’s Romania
You can learn more about what World Vision is doing to help the Ukrainian people here.
4. Catholic Relief Services
Catholic Charities partners with organizations on the ground in Ukraine by providing funding and support for local relief operations.
These partners on the ground are preparing across Ukraine and in bordering countries, providing safe shelter, hot meals, hygiene supplies, transport to safe areas, and counseling support.
Learn more about what Catholic Relief Services is doing to help here.
5. Church World Service
CWS established the Ukraine Crisis Response Fund to address the unique needs of Ukrainians displaced by the current conflict.
CWS has ongoing refugee/migration programming in Europe. This charity has technical expertise in the areas of forced migration, migrant assistance and protection, child protection, disaster and emergency response, coordination and refugee integration, and community sponsorship.
Since the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014, CWS has resettled 1,107 Ukrainians in the U.S.
Learn more about how you can help the Church World Service Ukrainian efforts here.
6. Samaritan’s Purse
Samaritan’s Purse is on the ground in Ukraine setting up field hospitals. Medical equipment and supplies have been delivered to an Emergency Field Hospital in Lviv, Ukraine, and is operating a 24-hour medical clinic for people fleeing the fighting in need of medical attention.
Stories from the field.
A mom comes in with an 11-day-old baby. The child isn’t moving or crying. They get warm in our tent, and the mother is given nourishment. The baby starts moving, but still stares off without a sound.
Learn more about Samaritan’s Purse efforts in Ukraine here.
7. Joyce Meyer Ministries
Joyce Meyer Ministries works with partners on the ground in Ukraine, Romania, and Poland.
These partner organizations are supplying food, medications, clothes, accommodations, shelters, medical supplies, and transportation from the border.
Joyce Meyer Ministries is donating 100 percent of donations to these relief efforts.
You can learn more about Joyce Meyer Ministries Ukrainian Crisis Relief here.
8. Crisis Aid International
Crisis Aid International has a mission is to assist in sustaining life, bring encouragement to those suffering and collaborate with other relief organizations in bringing necessary foods, materials, and medicines to people in times of crisis, particularly where life and death situations exist. They do this by demonstrating God’s love and care for people.
Crisis Aid exists to save lives, souls and change futures.
Crisis Aid International is donating 100% of donations to the Ukrainian Relief.
You can learn more about Crisis Aid International Ukrainian support here.
Disclaimer: I have a relationship with the founder of Crisis Aid International and can vouch for their integrity and ability to share God’s love with the hurting and those in crisis.
Identify A Charity And Show Support
When you try to determine which charities you want to support, make sure you do a little research. You want to be sure that the charity you choose is reputable and follows appropriate standards for nonprofit organizations.
Every church needs to get involved in this horrific crisis. Encourage members to pray and give to a charity that is equipped to help these hurting people affected by the War in Ukraine.
There will be a need long after the bombing stops as these sweet people of Ukraine try to reestablish themselves and reconnect with family and loved ones.
What organization does your church support?
