Faces of Courage – a very unique exhibition
On February 24, 2024, two years after Russian troops invaded Ukraine, a very unique exhibition took place in Cluj-Napoca (Romania).
UMCOR AND CWS: CARE AND RESETTLEMENT FOR UKRAINIAN REFUGEES
Ukrainians come to the Balti Center for weekly food supplies, made possible through partnership with UMCOR. (Credit: Church World Service)
Not Forgotten
RELIEF, HEALTH, HOUSING AND SAFETY FOR PEOPLE IN UKRAINE
UMCOR continues to assist people fleeing from the destruction and death caused by the war in Ukraine. The provisions of primary and mental health care, shelter, food and welcoming community have helped over 390,000 people to-date survive the violence. Read UMCOR’s Ukraine report here >>
New UMCOR grant to Mines Advisory Group will help Ukrainians deal with threat of landmines
September 28, 2022 | ATLANTA | umcmission.org
- About 27% of Ukraine’s territory will need to be cleared of mines and explosives, according to Ukraine’s Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources.
- Nearly 300,000 square kilometers (116,000 square miles) are still seen as “contaminated”, according to data released by Ukraine’s Emergency Services. Making that area safe could take a decade, the government said.
Romanian hotel houses one-stop shop for ministry
Story by Joey Butler, photos by Mike DuBose
Sept. 29, 2022 | CLUJ-NAPOCA, Romania (UM News)
- A hotel and ministry center run by The United Methodist Church in Romania hosts numerous programs to help Ukrainian refugees, as well as the rest of the community.
- A day after Russia invaded Ukraine, the Romanian church organized a shipment of humanitarian aid to Ukraine and now sends shipments weekly.
- The church also helps refugees to find housing, jobs and schools their children can attend.
From United Methodist News
As soon as the Russian invasion of Ukraine began on Feb. 24, 2022, Ukrainian refugees — mostly women and children — began arriving in neighboring countries. Some by train, some in cars with bullet holes.
“We didn’t know where we were going; we just went west,” said Anna, a refugee from Kyiv staying at a United Methodist retreat center in the Czech Republic.
United Methodists in Eastern Europe have been welcoming refugees since the beginning. Many offer shelter and basic daily necessities, in many cases hosting the refugees in their own homes. Others arrange to transport food and medical supplies back into Ukraine for those who cannot leave, and help refugees acquire legal documents that they may have left behind or lost while fleeing their homes. As the conflict drags on and more long-term needs arise, churches help children with school and help their parents find more permanent housing and jobs. When asked, the response is always that they will help as long as necessary.
In late May, a team from United Methodist News, the United Methodist Committee on Relief, and the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries visited church refugee ministries in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and western Ukraine to share stories of the United Methodist presence in the wake of such tragedy and ongoing need.
Photo EssayFrom umcmission.org/umcor/ukraine/
United Methodists and others wishing to provide humanitarian assistance to the Ukrainian people in the wake of the Russian invasion of their country may contribute to Advance #982450, UMCOR International Disaster Response and Recovery. This fund will provide direct assistance to those in Ukraine as well as assistance to Ukrainians fleeing to neighboring countries.
United Methodists continue helping Ukrainian neighbors
Gifts to support the people of Ukraine can be made in the following ways:
- Online at https://umcmission.org/advance-project/982450
- By toll-free telephone: 888-252-6174
- By check made out to Global Ministries/UMCOR with “Advance #982450-Ukraine” written on the memo line, either mailed and addressed to Global Ministries/UMCOR, GPO, P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY, 10087-9068 or given at or through any United Methodist church
One hundred percent of all Advance contributions go to the designated cause.
The United Methodist community in Ukraine, though quite small, is actively engaged in assisting neighbors in need. Global Ministries is in touch with the church’s leadership as well as with church leaders in countries welcoming those who are fleeing from violence in Ukraine.
United Methodist Global Ministries offers an eight-question guide to the history of Methodism in Ukraine, how UMCOR is responding, and the best ways for you to help now.
- How is the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) responding?
- How can I support those still in Ukraine and those fleeing the violence?
- Will UMCOR be sending kits and other supplies?
- Can I volunteer?
- How can I host refugees in my U.S. home?
- Our church wants to have a direct relationship with a UMC congregation in Ukraine or Eastern Europe. Can you provide us with contact information?
- Is The United Methodist Church active in Ukraine? In Russia? In surrounding regions?
- What prayer can I lift up for the people of Ukraine?