When the war against Ukraine broke out, the UK government launched the “Homes for Ukraine” scheme for those in need. Samaritan’s Purse immediately began work to help members of our Operation Christmas Child (OCC) network in Ukraine, assisting them and their families through this scheme.

The project goal was to help match those who would like to come to the UK with sponsors from our Operation Christmas Child partner churches in the UK and support travel and relocations costs, providing them physical and spiritual support during an incredibly difficult time.

We praise God that many families were relocated, and some have written back to us to share the impact it has had on their lives.

The Makaruik Family

In the Dnipropetrovsk region of Ukraine lives one of the youngest cities in the country, Zhovti Vody, home to Vitalii and Hannah, and their three children; Kateryna, Andrii, Yuliia and Hannah’s brother Nazar. What was once a home full of happiness and peace, became a hollow dwelling that produced fear and anxiety over the family’s safety. Not being able to stand the thought of separation, Hannah and her children prepared to stay with their father if it meant they would be together. When Samaritan’s Purse connected with the family through their church for the family to be relocated to the UK, a hope to experience peace once again was an answer to prayer.

The Makaruik family

The Berdnikov Family

In a town just a few hours away from the Makaruik family, in the city of Zaporizhzhia, another family were in an identical situation. The explosions lead them to pray for the Lord to protect them and their children from the endangerment and uncertainty that came as a consequence of the conflict on their doorstep.

Working with their church to provide assistance to those in need Nikolaii and Viktoriia and their two children Diana and Stanislav equally were faced with the heart wrenching decision of possibly leaving everything known to them in Ukraine for the sake of their safety.

Samaritan’s Purse was able to sponsor the family to fly to the UK through their church. Now, the family are attending a college nearby with their young daughter attending school once again. The Berdnikov family are now able look forward to their future and thank God for the help and newfound hope they have received.

The Berdnikov family

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Psalm 143:8 (NIV)

Read More