Many of you have asked what you can do to help. We are asking this same question as this terrible situation unfolds just north of us in Ukraine.
The First Wave: Passing through to Europe
At the moment, an estimated 1,200,000 Ukrainians are mostly heading into Western Europe where they have family or other connections. This group is "the first wave." Approximately 70% of these people are passing through. They need help with information, food, shelter, and transport. The other 30% are displaced, and border towns are taking them into family homes, hotels and temporary shelters where people are volunteering to help.
The Second Wave: Longterm Housing Needs for 5 Million
The biggest preparation is yet to come. Ukraine has over 44 million citizens. An anticipated "second wave" will be from those who do not have western contacts and are displaced with no safe place to go.
This is the group that we are preparing for the most. Reports on major news media outlets and at the border say there will be 5 MILLION PEOPLE fleeing into Romania, Hungary, Slovenia, and Poland. These will be people who do not have a lot of resources or have had to leave everything behind. Most all ATMs are out of cash in Ukraine and infrastructure is being destroyed daily by the heavy bombardment.
It is our hope and prayer that the Lord of Heaven’s armies will go before the Ukrainian soldiers to drive back the enemy, but we also want to have places prepared
Here’s what we’re doing:
We are opening Casa Ezra to those now in transit and will provide food, housing and transport to whomever comes to us. We have place for up to 15 people maximum.
We are working together with our city’s churches, businesses, and leadership to make ready for families that will most likely be displaced for a while.
The Children’s Camp we already have would be a great place for a group of refugees wanting to stay together in a safe and quiet area. Up to 45 people can stay fairly comfortably. However, we’ll need to invest in a better sewage system, water well, and emergency generator to handle that number of people for a longer period of time. These projects can be completed quickly, and they will continue to be useful in future.
These preparations will cost roughly $13,000. If you would like to help get the Children’s Camp ready for housing longer-term refugees, please note this as you give.
100% of your donations designated for helping Ukrainian refugees through Barnabas Ministries will be used for that purpose!
Please Pray:
First, for Ukraine, that it will stand as a free independent nation.
For the people of Ukraine and Russia, God loves them all!
Second, for us to connect with those the LORD wants us to help in any way possible.
When more is made clear, we will need monthly funds to assist the longer term Ukrainian refugees. When we have counted the cost, we will send out another email asking for your help and provide clear details as to what is needed.
Thank you so much for being a partner in the work that is being done here! Your faithful prayers, generous support and kind encouragement are bringing lasting change.
May the Lord Bless You!
Daniel H. Hurrelbrink
Executive Director
For financial contributions:
Please make checks payable to “Barnabas Ministries”.
Attach a note stating for "Ukrainian Refugees" and mail to this address:
Barnabas Ministries Inc.
P.O. Box 23
Emlenton, PA 16373
You can also give online via pay-pal by clicking on the Donate button below.
At the end of the year, you will receive a tax-deductible receipt for your giving!