Refugees Flocking to Kyiv

There are now over 450,000 IDPs staying in Kyiv. In April, Music Mission Kiev started helping a new group of Internally Displaced People (IDPs). We understood we could start with 100 people – and quickly, the list of 100 IDPs was filled. The list could have been much longer. They came from different parts of Ukraine.

Irina D. and Sasha A. use the same process they used with the IDPs who came from Crimea in 2014. It is what they practiced when they went to the villages on the front lines before Russia invaded. They meet twice a month on Saturdays, have a Bible study together, share some refreshments, and then distribute food vouchers to each family. Dr. Vadym helps give medical guidance to them too.  

Irina says, “Our first meeting was not easy because people did not know each other. They watched us very closely as we were talking to them. Currently, we have been meeting for four months, and we are like a family. We have fellowship. People share what is in their hearts. We pray together.  

People bring their families each time we meet, so we always have more people than expected – our meeting room is packed! What a wonderful problem to have. Thanks to Viktoria R. and Yuri A. for doing special activities and lessons with the children while their parents are at the Bible lesson. This makes it easier to communicate the Word of God with fewer distractions.”

Now, they have created a group on social media to stay in constant touch. After lessons, people kindly write words of appreciation. Below are some of them:

Irina: "Thank you for the interesting story, wonderful atmosphere, and help! We are thankful for you!"

Natalia: "Our hearts are full. Thanks for the meeting and help! I understand that what we are learning is very timely. All your words and illustrations are there to point people to God. We experience deep feelings during our time together! I am very thankful to you, Irina and Sasha!"

Nonna: "Thank you for preaching the Good News. We are thankful listeners!"

Marina S.: " This week has been hard for all of us. It was hard to pull ourselves together. Some are stressed, others have sick children. I never imagined meeting people from God who would be there for us, ready to help at hard times. I now see that God sends us His helpers in this tough world! When I come to our church, I start feeling better! You do more than just preach - you share lessons that heal our souls. I understand that preaching comes from the Lord, but you also give people counseling, which they sorely need! I am very thankful to you! The time we had today greatly encouraged me. The despair and trials I am experiencing are hard! I understand my trials come from God, I have had many losses, yet I am thankful to God for putting wonderful people into my life. It is great to know God places special people in your life. Thank you so much! You help us materially, but more importantly, bring healing to our souls!"

We are thankful for being able to serve these families and develop friendships with them! The advanced training Irina has done in PTSD Trauma Care is being put to good use and is bearing fruit. We are grateful for being able to share God's love and warmth with them so they do not feel abandoned. Many thanks to our American partners for helping make this possible.

Please remember to pray for our new IDP families. May God bring healing and peace to their souls and restore their joy!