Ukrainian Refugee Response
In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the eastern territory of Donbas. Life has been turned upside down for the 44 million Ukrainians in the days that have passed. With a constant threat of gunfire, explosions, and missiles, Ukrainians are fleeing the place they call home.
Foursquare Disaster Relief is working closely with its European Foursquare churches and FMI workers to respond to Russia's war against Ukraine by providing food and life-saving essentials.
Our Foursquare people have bought food and life-saving essentials, as well as provided emergency housing, spiritual and emotional care support, job training, transportation, medical care, and so much more throughout this time.
The war is not over, and the people of Ukraine continue to need help, support, and prayer. We continue to make daily assessments of needs as this crisis unfolds.
Want to get involved and help spread the word about our response?
Download the action kit below for prayer points, donation information, and content to share on social media.
What’s happening in Ukraine?
- Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a “special military operation” in eastern Ukraine on February 24th. Immediately, missile strikes occurred in dozens of cities around Ukraine.
- Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ordered a total mobilization of the Ukrainian military in response.
- Major Ukrainian cities such as Kharkiv, Kyiv, and Mariupol have been the target of heavy Russian bombardment and siege for the past several months. Neighborhoods have become battle grounds as Ukraine has fought back in these areas to keep or take back control.
- Over 4,800 civilians have been killed since the start of the war, and almost 5,500 have been injured. 14 million people have been forced to leave their homes to other areas in Ukraine and neighboring countries, such as Poland, Romania, and Hungary.
- Russia has continued to target the railway infrastructure throughout central and western Ukraine, causing massive delays and blocking transportation.
- On April 19th, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed another phase had begun of the invasion.
- On July 4th, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Russia had taken control of Lysychansk. Global leaders have met in Switzerland to plan how to support Ukraine moving forward.
How is Foursquare Disaster Relief helping in Ukraine?
- FMI workers and Foursquare churches in Poland, Slovakia, Romania, Croatia, and Germany are helping thousands of refugees. Millions have been displaced by this war.
- Thousands of families have been assisted across Ukraine in other areas with housing assistance, food packs, evacuation support, medical care, and other assistance as the war has impacted their church tithe and income.
- Refugee assistance centers have been implemented to help with with job training, language lessons, childcare, and counseling.
- Providing spiritual, medical, and emotional care support.
- Helping with evacuation inside of Ukraine with a fleet of vehicles to transport people out and supplies into the country.
- Setting up bakeries to employ Ukrainians and also distribute food.
- Approximately 13,000 people a month are being fed in five locations throughout Ukraine.
- Foursquare pastors have received monthly financial assistance to help them offset their income loss and help them continue to be able to pastor as well as deliver aid and assistance in their community.
- Over 1,000 receiving Jesus as their Lord and Savior!
Hear how your donations are helping and directly impacting the Ukrainian Crisis Response below
Ways to Get Involved
PRAYER REQUESTS
We believe in the power of prayer. Please pray for the safety of our Foursquare leaders, European Foursquare Churches and Ukrainian refugees, and for God's wisdom as many flee to shelter.
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteer to be a part of a mission team to Ukraine. There is still a great need for people willing to go as part of a response team and personally make a difference in the lives of those affected by this evolving situation.
DONATIONS
Your donation will have a real impact on Ukrainian refugees who are fleeing to shelter and safety. Help us mobilize the church to provide food, life-saving essentials, and emergency housing.
FOURSQUARE BRINGS HELP TO UKRAINIAN REFUGEES IN MIDST OF RUSSIA’S INVASION
While many watched from a distance as bombs exploded and Russian troops advanced into Ukraine, for Jeff Roper, global associate director to Europe and MENACA with Foursquare Missions International (FMI), Russia’s recent invasion of Europe’s second-largest nation has an up close and personal meaning. “These are not just faceless people,” says Jeff, who is based in northern…
STORIES FROM UKRAINE
While Russia’s war on Ukraine continues to rage on, Foursquare Disaster Relief team, in partnership with Foursquare Missions International, are remaining steady with relief efforts. Teams are currently on the ground helping in Poland, Germany, Croatia, Ukraine, and Romania, helping refugees continue to have their basic needs met including safety, shelter, food, and water. We…
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Stories from the Field
FMI workers in Slovakia are taking a van of supplies and 50 mattresses to eastern Slovakia and then onto Ukraine. We are so proud of City Church of Bratislava, Pezinok and International, and our global partners who have stepped up to show their extreme generosity and support.
Refugees are arriving in Cluj, Romania by the bus load, and are looking for transitional housing. So far, 9 apartments have been donated for 3 months, a church with 2 apartments, and a house for most of the volunteers and staff. We also retained a former hotel with 13 rooms.
Our Foursquare orphanage in Kremenchuk, Ukraine had to evacuate to safety after days of coordination and logistics. There were many moving pieces that were needed to care for the kids on this journey. Thankfully, the children made it to safety!
All regular trains are cancelled and free train rides are being offered to the Polish border which can take more than 12 hours to cross.
