On February 24, Russia invaded Ukraine with unprecedented force. The lives of the Ukrainian people completely changed overnight. Many had to flee their homes at a moment's notice. To date, upwards of one million, mostly women and children, have fled the country. All males between 18-60 have to stay behind to fight.

All of HART's partner churches throughout Central and Western Ukraine are serving these refugees as they transition toward the borders of Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland.

The following letter is from Andriy, lead Pastor of a partner church in Rivne, Ukraine:

"Hi, Lloyd and the whole HART mission team! I know you are praying for us! Yesterday was the longest day of my life. I had the feeling that I was watching a horror thriller and it had no end! This is how I can describe the situation in our region and in Rivne - anxiety, fear, uncertainty! I don't even know the number of people who called me with the same question: "What shall we do?"

This morning began with powerful blasts, at 6:05 - rockets were fired at the airport in Rivne! Everyone was shaken out of their beds. There were air raid sirens several times during the day!

We have converted all rooms in our Rivne churches into places of shelter! I am in the center of the city all day long, talking and comforting people who come into our shelters during the air raids!

Putin needs all of Ukraine I think! But, I made a decision - I will be here with our people till the end and my family with me. I see that my presence encourages many!

Lloyd, we need urgent help! While the banking system is still operating in our region, we ask you to help us with finances! There are so many needs! Many people are weak and destitute. We are organizing aid for the army and refugees; we cook, prepare some food products, hand out hygiene products, towels, blankets, mattresses, sleeping bags, etc.

I don't know how long we will hold out, but the people are determined to stand till the end! I'm literally amazed at how friendly and united our people are, as well as people from our church and other churches. So please keep praying and respond with financial help as soon as possible!

If you agree and are eager to help with finances, thank you. We have no clue what tomorrow holds; we live in the present day and even in the present hour!" With prayer and gratitude, Andriy

[HART SENT FUNDS WITHIN HOURS]

Pastor Andriy's response: Lloyd, thank you for the promptness! As I write this, we are sitting in our shelter at the church office. People, immigrants from Kyiv are here. I saw a woman standing with two children and a little dog in her arms. She stood and trembled, with a look of horror and uncertainty in her eyes. I approached her, hugged her, and she just started weeping… this is one of the many emotional, heartbreaking moments of the day! Thank you again, and many blessings!

Here's how you can HELP:

1. PRAY

Pray for our church partners on the ground as they meet needs and show God's love to these hurting, displaced people. Pray for safety and provision for Ukrainian refugees. Pray that the war will end quickly and peacefully.

2. GIVE

If you feel led to support our Refugee Fund, your donations will provide food, water, shelter, and other essentials for these displaced persons through our extensive network of Ukrainian churches. You will help meet their most urgent physical needs and will show them the love of Christ through a local church.