Inside War-Torn Ukraine

The young man in the above photo stands in front of his home in a village not too far from Bucha, a city that had experienced massacres among citizens. A scene that is now common in Ukraine. I was shocked as the ministry team walked through the devastation city after city and village after village. His village was destroyed and many people lost their lives as invading soldiers took position and occupied the village on the way to Kyiv, the Capitol. The troops have vacated for the moment but are only twenty-five miles away. Thankfully we had access and special permission the bring food and other products that were desperately needed. We went from door to door standing in the rubble of destroyed homes. We listened to their stories, prayed with them, gave food parcels (the local store is destroyed), provided gifts for children, shared the gospel and lead children and adults to salvation in Jesus Christ. 

Ok, let's back up a little. When we received a message from our friend Pastor Joseph Esenov in Uzhhorod, Ukraine for help several days after the invasion of Russian forces, it was clear what we needed to do. We needed to get involved. We have relationships and fruit in the nation of Ukraine from much ministry. We have been working with Pastor Joseph Esenov in Uzhhorod since 2016.

The mission was clear. We were to come alongside our Christian family in Ukraine and serve however possible. It resulted in two tours of ministry so far in Ukraine and thousands of dollars provided for supplying food, shelter, medicine and the ministry of the Gospel in cities and villages throughout Ukraine. When I first arrived I didn't know what to expect. But, God led us every step of the way. I had the wonderful experience of lodging with refugees from Kyiv, Kharkov, and the Donetsk region because there was literally no room anywhere. There were 24 of us in Pastor Joseph's home. We ate together and served together. Now we have new relationships. I was able to record some of their stories with a translator about their personal account of the invasion before fleeing across Ukraine for safety.

We were able to transfer funds and help with the renovation of a building that would serve as a shelter. I was able to visit the shelter when I first arrived and see what had been done. Refugees came as soon as the shelter was ready. It's easy for one's heart to melt when you look into their eyes and hear their stories. We had the opportunity to express our love and pray with them. Special gifts of handmade quilts, outfits and toys were distributed to the children. It brought such joy and the smiles were priceless.

Funds also provided for thousands and thousands of pounds of food that have been distributed to the shelter and to villages where refugees are lodging. This is an ongoing effort that continues because of our generous ministry partners. It seemed we were purchasing products daily, loading the bus and distributing to different locations. Many refugees came with no money. There are no jobs. It is a real crisis. Praise God for those who have donated to this mission. Because of generosity...

PROVISION WAS MADE FOR OUR OUTREACHES: 

• Renovation of building to house refugees as long as needed. New kitchen with all appliances. New shower installed. Clothes washing machine. Hot water heater. Beds and linens. Painting and cosmetic update. Food! The shelter is at capacity now!
• Refrigerators, food and inductive cooktops were purchased and delivered to local schools housing refugees from the Donetsk and Mariupol region. The schools in Uzhhorod are completely full of refugees. Students have to study online.
• Food for up to 300 people in shelters in Uzhhorod and villages on an "ongoing basis."
• New computer purchased for ministry helping refugees.
• Clothing and food purchased and delivered to the Ukrainian refugees living in refugee camps in Hungary.
• New Shoes for children and adult refugees- Nike, Adidas and Sketchers
• Baby strollers and baby products.
• Medicine for families and for frontline military personnel.
• Thousands of pounds of food delivered to poor citizens in the city.
• Financial aid to pastors not able to work.
• Toiletries and hygiene products provided.
• Feeding thousands living in subways in Kharkiv through Pastor Aleksiy.
• Emergency dental work and implants for a refugee mother of 4 children.
• Special gifts for ladies and children brought from Texas.
• Handmade quilts from USA given to excited and grateful children. 
• Hand knitted children outfits from the U.K.
• Helping Pastor Daniel Kriszt to plant a church on the Ukraine and Hungary border. Contributing funds towards purchasing land and a building and also for remodeling it for refugees. It will be a new church plant among the gypsy community there.
• Thousands of pounds of food delivered to Irprin, Bucha and Brovary near Kyiv.
• Street Evangelism in villages that have be occupied by the invading soldiers. Ministering to traumatized individuals.
• Ministered by preaching and teaching in churches and in homes for the building up of the saints.
• I was honored to be present in these outreaches and oversee the purchasing of products and goods to bring comfort and aid to those who have suffered loss.

The Above photo is from the occupied city of Bucha near Irpin. The devastation is so great that a thousand photos could not tell the full story. This has caused numerous deaths and a massive refugee crisis. When the occupying soldiers left the area (but are still very close) they left mines in refrigerators, among children's toys, under dead bodies and automobiles. Pray for these cities that have experienced massacres. The psychological trauma of these events has greatly impacted the locals. There are many broken lives that need ministry. 

Below is a photo of refugees arriving at the shelter set up in Uzhhorod. One story we heard was that the lady in the pink hoodie leaning over with with a smile had been hiding with her children in a basement for eight days as her city was receiving continuous bombardment. It was to dangerous for people to be above ground. There was a pause with the rockets so she found transportation and fled 1200km across Ukraine to the shelter in Uzhhorod arriving at 1:00am. We met with her the next morning. She had lost everything of value but still had a smile because her and her children were safe. Glory!

Below: Street ministry in village.

Below: Children feeling loved by gifts brought from Texas. Smiles are priceless!

Photo Gallery of various outreaches

I Angie and I want to thank those who have donated to these outreaches. The ministry and mission continues. As long as contributions continue to come in we will send them to our trusted pastors in Ukraine working with the refugees.

We are also grateful for Pastor Joseph Esenov and Pastor Danial Kriszt for their great sacrifice and ministry among the war refugees. Also, we'd like to thank Andriy and Natasha for being great hosts to the team in Irpin by giving us lodging and hot meals. Andriy was very informative about what had taken place in Irpin, Bucha and the villages nearby. Pastor Yuri in Brovary, thank you for your kindness, hospitality and the opportunity to minister at the church. God bless Ukraine. We are committed and will continue to partner with the saints in Ukraine.

Doug and Angie Pitman
Kingdom Ministries International
​European Representatives, RLN Global