Ukraine could produce more than 4M refugees. A Nicholasville mission is ready to help
The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine could produce more than 4 million refugees, the United Nations projects, raising the prospect of a refugee crisis that could rock all of Europe. Peace talks continued between the two countries Thursday and concluded with no cease-fire agreement.
Though the death toll ranges widely based on who’s doing the assessment, Reuters reports more than 2,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed thus far.
For Alex Chubaruk, who heads a Christian mission affiliated with the Ukrainian Pentecostal Church in Nicholasville, the conflict is personal. He has extended family members in Ukraine. One includes an uncle, who was ministering to his flock in eastern Ukraine as a bishop, Chubaruk told the Herald-Leader last week.
“He’s staying put there and praying for God’s protection,” Chubaruk said.
With these concerns high on his mind, Chubaruk is leading the mission’s efforts to ship supplies back home and now says it’s ready to take material donations.
“Our nonprofit, Christian Mission Ebenezer will be sending a container to Ukraine,” Chubaruk said by text message Friday.
The mission will be accepting donations Saturday and throughout the coming week.
He also wanted to thank local residents, who turned out by the hundreds Wednesday to rally for besieged Ukraine.
How can I support Ukrainian refugees displaced by war?
Chubaruk’s organization is working to secure supplies for people who’ve fled with little other than the clothes on their backs.
A flier sent by Chubaruk said the mission is in need of nonperishable food items, new clothes for women, men and children, thermal undergarments, candles, hats and gloves, linens (sleeping bags, bedding, blankets), baby items, first aid supplies and toiletries.
Christian Mission Ebenezer is also accepting monetary donations through its website.
“We are working to find shelter, food, clothing, mattresses, linens and any other items that are needed to help the refugees coming from the areas that have been attacked,” a statement on the mission’s website said. “We currently have about 30 missionary stations throughout Ukraine. Some of these have had to evacuate, but the missionary stations that haven’t been affected yet will be housing refugees in their homes for as long as they can.”
Chubaruk said his mission has been active in the Lexington area since 1999 and has been ministering in Ukraine for 20 years. It operates a bookstore in Lexington, Ebenezer Bookstore, at 4371 Old Harrodsburg Road. Chubaruk said the bookstore enables the mission to ensure all donations go toward Ukraine.
For those seeking to support relief efforts outside of Lexington, Charity Navigator has compiled a list of its highest-rated Ukrainian charities. Charity Navigator rates charities based on their financial efficiency and transparency.
Other ways to support Ukraine
Ukrainians have crowdsourced a list of resources foreigners can contribute to in order to support Ukraine, the journalist Jane Lytvynenko tweeted.
For those who want to directly support the Ukrainian troops, The Ukrainian newspaper Kyiv Independent recommended donations to Come Back Alive, which provides auxiliary equipment, specialized software, drones, personal body protection, training and other supplies.
Do you know of a reputable, local organization or group collecting donations or hosting a relief drive for Ukraine? Submit it via email to amudd@herald-leader.com.
This story was originally published February 25, 2022 at 3:53 PM.