Operation Mobilization (OM), a group that works to spread the gospel to unreached people, recently shared the moving story of a Ukrainian woman who has taken refuge in Poland. Despite her loss and heartache, believers there are doing what they can to ease her suffering.
“I would like to say thank you for people who have big hearts,” said Viktoria, a refugee who left Ukraine with her mother and her two children, one of whom is a newborn. Her husband, Roman, is still there.
Ukrainian Woman: We Often Say, ‘I Love You’
Viktoria described being on a bus with other children and their mothers, who also had to leave their husbands behind. She said that her daughter, hearing stories of Ukrainians who had died, asked why that was happening. “It’s a war,” Viktoria told her, recounting the conversation with emotion, “but you can pray for [your] dad and for [your] grandma and for your uncle, Radim. And maybe one day we will see them.”
Viktoria said that OM has helped her and her family by providing “very simple, but very useful things,” such as food, shelter and other necessities. “We often say, ‘I love you,’” said Viktoria through tears, “because we understand that every moment is a gift.”
OM said that they, their “church partners, and volunteers will continue to welcome and serve those who come seeking refuge.”
“Pictures of thousands fleeing Ukraine & horrific headlines can make us numb to individual stories of precious lives,” said Rev. Dr. Glenn Packiam, associate senior pastor of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colo. He tweeted the video of Viktoria’s story, saying, “This was sent by a congregant who works for OM. It’s a glimpse into how the church in Poland is welcoming refugees. May it provoke prayer.”
Watch Viktoria’s story below:
Finding Refuge – A Ukrainian Mother’s Story from OM on Vimeo.
