Ukraine in Crisis: A Nation Shaken, Lives Interrupted
On February 24, 2022, war broke out on Ukrainian soil, and the effects continue to ripple across the country and the broader region. Millions of people were driven from their homes, seeking safety either within Ukraine or abroad. The scale of displacement, the trauma of daily uncertainty, and widespread damage to infrastructure have created an ongoing humanitarian crisis.
More than 2.5 million homes have been damaged or destroyed, and according to the United Nations, poverty rates continue to rise—an estimated 12.7 million people in Ukraine are expected to need humanitarian assistance in 2025. Today, 3.7 million people remain internally displaced. As winter approaches, needs intensify, and many will struggle to secure adequate food or heating.
In response to the war, Nazarene churches in Ukraine have stepped into the center of both urgent crisis relief and long-term restoration. Even as they themselves face displacement, loss, and uncertainty, pastors and church members continue to stand in solidarity with their communities—serving not from a place of distance, but from within the very heart of the suffering.
Early Response & Church Mobilization
Soon after the start of the war, Nazarene churches in Ukraine and in neighboring countries began to mobilize.
Supported by donors from around the world, their coordinated response has encompassed:
- Shelter
- Food and water
- Clothing
- Transportation
- Travel guidance
- Safe spaces for children and mothers
- Hygiene supplies
- Counseling
- Spiritual support
In Vapniarka, home of an important railway line, streams of people passing through represented an opportunity for the local Nazarene church. Because their church building is situated near the train station, church members began reaching out to these refugees, offering food and providing shelter in the church building.
Later, Pastor Tolik Galagan began coordinating the reception of shipments of clothing and Crisis Care Kits for all Nazarene churches in Ukraine; these donations also reached people passing through Vapniarka. Every jacket, pair of shoes, Crisis Care Kit, and bag of food had an immediate impact, he explained.
“People were crying that someone is sending and blessing them with what they needed.”
Even as pastors and congregations have poured their energy into compassionate care, churches in Ukraine have continued their mission. Local Nazarene congregations are spiritually strong, raising up new leaders, ordaining pastors, and continuing to grow in faith and unity.
A Network of Compassion Across Borders
> In Ukraine
Despite active conflict, local churches are places of refuge and spiritual strength.
- Nazarene churches opened their doors, serving as bomb shelters and a safe space for refugees.
- Through NCM partnerships, churches receive essential supplies such as food, clothing, and Crisis Care Kits to distribute to those in need.
- Financial support has allowed pastors to continue discipleship and evangelism efforts while also managing relief efforts.
- Churches provide medical aid and trauma care, walking with people through both physical and emotional wounds of war.
> In Neighboring Countries
Those who left Ukraine found the Church of the Nazarene ready to welcome them:
- Poland: Nazarene churches responded immediately at border crossings, offering water, food, toys for children, and a safe place to rest. Ministries like Sweet Surrender coffee shop have grown into long-term community centers providing language classes, art therapy, and spiritual support for families trying to start over in a new country.
- Romania: Within 24 hours of the invasion, Nazarenes mobilized to transport refugees, house families, and care for pregnant women and children. Churches opened their buildings, expanded their housing capacity with donated furniture, and supported a school for refugee children.
- Croatia: Churches collected supplies for a refugee center and began regular ministry visits. Partnerships with NCM, UNHCR, and IKEA enabled the creation of safe family spaces, children’s rooms, and outdoor community gathering areas.
Across Ukraine and neighboring countries, ministries are continuing to adapt to meet the evolving needs of those affected by the war.
Stories of Hope
Odesa – Light in the Darkness
In Odesa, tragedy struck early in the war when a series of missile attacks damaged the Church of the Nazarene along with historic buildings across the city. Yet even as windows shattered and walls crumbled, ministry did not stop. Because of generous support through the Ukraine Crisis Response Fund, repairs began immediately, allowing the church to continue serving its community without interruption.
Missionaries Crystal and Chad Gibbons described the congregation this way:
“They have been a brilliant light in the midst of this terrible darkness.”
This statement reflects the Church’s identity in Ukraine today. What began as emergency relief has become a sustained ministry of presence, hope, and spiritual refuge.
House of Mercy – Lives Reclaimed
One vital source of refuge is found in the ministry of House of Mercy (an outreach of the Odesa church), home to more than 40 individuals who are internally displaced or are seeking rehabilitation services. Among them is Vladimir, once trapped in addiction for 21 years, who now serves others after finding new hope in this safe haven.
“[House of Mercy] is not just about providing temporary shelter or rehabilitation; it’s about empowering individuals to reclaim their lives.”
Even under the threat of ongoing conflict, Nazarene congregations remain present, serving their communities in practical and spiritual ways.
Trauma Care – Healing the Invisible Wound
In 2023, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries and Global Care Force, a global health ministry, conducted trauma-care training in Poland for Ukrainian leaders affected by war. The training equipped individuals with practical tools to address widespread trauma in their communities.
Pastor Masyuk shared the impact:
“This week was like an emotional MRI. The time here has given me some tools to start to deal with my trauma.”
Through trauma-informed care, volunteers are creating meaningful ripples of healing and support for those affected by the conflict in Ukraine.
Bringing Joy to the Next Generation
In a nation marked by trauma and uncertainty, Nazarene churches have continued to invest in hope—by loving and discipling children and teens. Several churches have ongoing kids’ clubs or host child development centers. For some churches, that hope took the form of vibrant Vacation Bible Schools held across Ukraine this past summer, transforming churches into places of joy, safety, and spiritual renewal.
- Seven Nazarene churches hosted VBS programs in 2025 in cities including Koziatyn, Odesa, Izmail, Snihurivka, Pozniaky, and Kyiv.
- A total of 373 children attended, many who have experienced displacement, separation from parents, or ongoing psychological stress caused by war.
- Themes focused on God’s unconditional love, personal worth, friendship, resilience, and emotional wholeness.
- Almost 200 adult volunteers created safe, nurturing environments where children could laugh, create, and encounter the love of Christ.
In Odesa, a thirteen-year-old boy named Andriy*, who lives in an orphanage, arrived expecting boredom. Instead, he found belonging:
“It was the most amazing time I’ve had in a long while … I made friends and felt that I really matter.”
Through Vacation Bible School and other youth-centered programs, congregations continue to stand in solidarity with and bring stability to children and teens across Ukraine.
*Children’s names are changed for protection.
Support Ministry in Ukraine – Make a Difference Today
From emergency relief to spiritual renewal, from food relief to programs that give children a safe place to laugh and learn, the Church of the Nazarene is walking alongside Ukrainians every step of the way. Ministries in Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Croatia, and beyond are serving bodies and hearts, providing hope when it is needed most.
Your support ensures that this vital work continues:
- Providing food, clothing, and essential supplies for families in crisis
- Offering safe spaces and spiritual care for those living under threat
- Equipping pastors, leaders, and churches to carry Christ’s love forward
- Giving children and youth experiences like Vacation Bible School to bring joy and stability during a time of upheaval
You can be part of this story. Give, pray, and partner with us to shine Christ’s light in Ukraine and beyond.
GIVE NOW