Rescuing Children Under the Shadow of War
From lost childhood to redemption, your support is transforming the lives of orphans in Ukraine.
For nearly four years, Ukrainian children have lived under the shadow of war. When Russian forces swept in from Crimea, lives were lost or forever changed amid the widespread violence. According to the UN, 669 children have been killed and 1,833 injured since the start of the war. An estimated 737,000 children have been forced to flee their homes by hostilities, with a further 1.7 million becoming refugees. Many of these refugees are children who have been orphaned or separated from a parent.
The war has stolen childhood for so many, both physically and emotionally. Constant fear is the new normal as air raid sirens force civilians into shelters at a moment’s notice. Many students have been separated from their friends, and their educational routines have been disrupted as their school buildings have either been destroyed or damaged. Some children attend school in underground bunkers to shield them from Russian drone and missile attacks. A generation of Ukrainian children is growing up deeply impacted by continual violence, fear, and tragedy.
A Story of Redemption
At only eight years old, Ivan was exposed to the horrors of this war. His hometown region of Kherson was the first major Ukrainian city to fall when Russian forces invaded. Drones and artillery pounded the city, leaving it in ruins. Before the invasion, Ivan’s father struggled with drinking, so his mother asked for a divorce. As the war began, she tragically passed away, leaving Ivan and his siblings without both of their parents in the middle of a war zone.
When Ivan’s sister, Viktoriia, heard the news that her siblings were left orphaned, she entered the war zone to rescue Ivan and her little sister. Despite facing the risk of death by entering an occupied region, Viktoriia found her siblings and traveled out of the area to a World Challenge Care Center in Shepetivka. Finding safety, Ivan and his sister were provided with a home, schooling, and a new Christ-focused community.
Ivan’s life had already been marked by so much pain and loss, but his journey was far from over. While at the Care Center, Ivan began to struggle with his breathing and grew painfully pale. He was diagnosed with severe immunosuppression and eventually contracted tuberculosis. Ivan needed immediate medical intervention beyond what the local clinic could provide.
Miraculously, God opened a way for Ivan to receive medical treatment at a hospital in Kyiv. He recovered from tuberculosis, and his body was able to stabilize from its immunosuppression.
Despite all the brokenness Ivan has experienced, the team at the Care Center reports that he comes faithfully to their children’s Bible study to learn about Jesus. “We see how the Lord is writing a story of redemption in his young life, and we pray that he will continue to grow in faith, healing, and hope in Christ.”
Ivan still faces uncertainty, but having his sisters and friends close makes life so much better.
Rescue and Restore with World Challenge
Because of your generosity, Viktoriia’s prayer of rescue for her siblings was answered. Our team in Ukraine provided a place of physical and spiritual care for her brother and sister, uniting them as a family. This support also helped to save Ivan’s life through critical medical attention. Your partnership directly contributes to providing essential resources, including health care to those in desperate need.
Will you continue to stand with World Challenge as we rescue and restore lives in war-torn and desperate areas around the world? A gift of $40 a month can provide a safe home, essential nutrition, education, medical care, and the gospel. Together, let’s practice pure religion by living out James 1:27 and bringing the hope of Christ to countless more.