Offering Warmth as Winter Lingers in Ukraine
Heat, water, and electricity are in short supply right now in Kyiv. With energy grids damaged by continual air attacks, this year’s bitter winter has been harder than ever on suffering residents.
To help alleviate this growing crisis, Samaritan’s Purse set up two warming centres outside of churches in the capital in late February. We have already served over 3,000 people by providing hot meals, beverages, and the opportunity to charge a mobile device. Staffed by church partners and chaplains from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, the tents also offer the warmth of human connection and Biblical truth, with dozens of Bibles distributed so far.
In our warming centres like the one pictured here, Samaritan’s Purse has served over 3,000 Ukrainians a hot beverage and meal while engaging in Gospel conversations.
The team works to install lights in one of the warming centre tents.
Sofia*, a devout 70-year-old Christian, used to live in an apartment right next to a church so she could participate in services or ministry almost every day. But when her water stopped flowing and her heat stopped working, she was forced to leave the city for her home in the countryside. Nevertheless, she regularly returns to the tent near where her old apartment was in order to serve her fellow Ukrainians.
Sofia, a devout Christian, comes to one of the tents regularly to serve vulnerable Ukrainians.
“I try to come here at least a few times a week,” she said. “I am grateful to Samaritan’s Purse for establishing this warming centre. I will gladly come here, help others, and warm my soul.”
As visitors gather around a warm drink or meal while perusing books and Bibles, Sofia seeks to introduce them to the God whom she relies on in her own displacement and as she is concerned over two adult sons who serve in Ukraine’s armed forces.
“It is much easier for people to live when they are believers,” Sofia said. “There is no fear, no resentment—only gratitude to God for life.”
Ukrainians gather outside one of Samaritan’s Purse warming centres in Kyiv to pick up a hot meal before going inside our tent to enjoy the nourishing food and a break from the frigid temperatures.
Older residents are especially grateful for the nutritious meals provided in the tents.
As the conflict rages on, Sofia remains a resilient and optimistic example for others because of her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
“Overall, I am satisfied with my life,” she said. “Because every day God gives me a reason to live, regardless of all the external difficulties.”
Thanking God for Life and the Strength to Go On
Anna*, 70, has no heat or water in her apartment on the 12th floor. She has electricity some days, but when it goes out, making the elevator inoperable, she’s left to make the slow climb up the stairs, pausing between floors for much needed breath and strength to make it home. But that is only the beginning of her struggles.
“In my small one-room apartment, there isn’t a single dry place. In the hallway, the room, the kitchen, and the bathroom, everywhere is damp and wet,” Anna says.
Anna found the Samaritan’s Purse warming centres to be different from the others in her community. She credits the meals provided there and through her church’s partnership with Samaritan’s Purse for keeping her alive.
''Anna’s hands thawed as she enjoyed a nutritious meal and learned that she was not alone in her struggles. She plans to come more frequently until the tent closes in mid-April.''
As the cold seeps into the walls, the floors, and her clothing, she says, “Every day I feel that we are on the verge of freezing.”
But despite the trouble, another daily reality prevails. Each day she also prays, “Everything is in Your hands, God! I entrust everything to You, Lord. Help us endure all these trials.”
Although various warming centres existed nearby, Anna grew accustomed to dealing with her difficulties on her own. Until one day, she passed a Samaritan’s Purse tent and decided to step inside.
“It’s warm and cosy here. I’m so glad I came in. In other warming points, I didn’t feel the same warmth as I do here,” Anna said.
Anna’s hands thawed as she enjoyed a nutritious meal and learnt that she was not alone in her struggles. She plans to come more frequently until the tent closes in mid-April.
“May God help us live to see the spring. Thank you for helping us. This is how I ask the Lord for His support and blessing in difficult times,” Anna said. “We go through all trials only with God’s help.”
The warming centres offer meals that warm bellies as well as the soul as people linger around the tables with Billy Graham Evangelistic Association chaplains.
Samaritan’s Purse warming centres feature conversations with staff and chaplains who offer spiritual encouragement to persevere through the trials of the ongoing conflict.
The heated tents provide a reprieve from the bitter temperatures.
Anna makes a point to thank Him for the hot meals she receives from Samaritan’s Purse through her church every Thursday.
“Thanks to God, thanks to the partner church of Samaritan’s Purse, I am living,” she said.
In addition to the warming tents, Samaritan’s Purse has also distributed nearly 700 emergency winter steadfastness kits to the most vulnerable residents of Kyiv. Containing hand warmers, a sleeping bag, thermal blanket, heating mat, power bank, drinking water, and dry shower sets, the kits give comfort even when residents can’t make it to the warming centres.
Please pray that each tent will be to the people of Ukraine not only a place of relief but also a place to meet with God. Ask also for spring temperatures to come early in Ukraine and for residents to find physical and spiritual warmth through Samaritan’s Purse and its hundreds of church partners in the country.
*Name changed for security
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