When Vladimir Putin’s forces invaded Ukraine, mainstream media were keenly interested. With the war grinding on month after month, this interest has flagged. Now they largely report  missile strikes on major cities, especially Kyiv.  At times we also hear about an infusion of cash or donation of heavy tanks. They give only scant, occasional attention to the devastation of individual lives, families and communities.

Rarely do they provide an understanding of the misery caused when mothers and children flee, leaving fathers and husbands who are defending Ukraine. We are told little about the scarcity of wood for heat, warm clothes, dwindling  food supplies, or the fear endured by those hiding in dank, unheated basements or  apartment buildings with blown out windows, doors, or even walls.

For almost a year, Linda & I have received reports  from the Friends of the Mennonite Centre. Some years ago this small Canadian organization established The Mennonite Centre in Ukraine with the goal of providing essential necessities of life to impoverished Ukrainians. With the onset of the war, the needs have increased. Because the Mennonite Centre has Ukrainian people doing the day to day work, they have an intimate understanding of what people need. They have also developed relationships with local groups, providing them with financial and other assistance.

Below is a recent update written by George Dyck to help readers understand the plight of those directly impacted by the war.

Mennonite Centre in Molochansk, Ukraine

Update #90 February 9, 2023

Our partners from Uman Help Center go to the South, to the deoccupied villages of Kherson oblast on a regular basis. The last visit was to two villages Chervona Zorya and Tavriyske. These villages are almost destroyed. Still, most of the people are not planning to leave. They hope to restore their homes and continue to live in the area. Pastor Dmytro and his team are connected with the leadership of the community and coordinate their activities with them. Thus, they try to be as effective as possible. They know what the need is and bring the most necessary things. It’s a very wise approach and works very well.

This time besides flashlights and blankets they brought pots and kettles. It’s February. Spring is coming. And my guess seeds will be of great demand very soon. People in many villages live without electricity for seven months. So, flashlights and candles are in big demand.

Warm blankets, pillows are also very needed, because many villages are partially destroyed. It means that some people lost their houses with most of their belongings. After the de-occupation the head of the community got a generator from the government. This is the only place in the village where people can charge their cell phones and other equipment. We talked with the pastor Dmitriy from Uman, who delivered all those items to people.

We wanted to understand the atmosphere in the village, how people are going though all these hardships. The pastor said that people are different, and their attitudes are different, as everywhere in the world I guess, but people are very grateful and positive and they are strongly determined to rebuild their village. Life goes on.

If you wish to donate then please visit our website http://www.mennonitecentre.ca/ and click on the donate tab. To donate by e-transfer please use the email address gtdyck@gmail.com and please include your postal address in a note accompanying the transfer so I can issue a tax receipt to you. Thank you!! Your support is appreciated!