Ukrainian Refugee Crisis Update

A month ago, we wrote about the war in Ukraine and the ensuing refugee crisis. Polish people have continued to pour their hearts into caring for their Ukrainian neighbors, while the international community has shown up to support as well. The UN estimates that over 3.5 million Ukrainians have fled and more are trying to leave areas of intense conflict every day, so we expect refugee needs to continue for some time.

We are deeply grateful and overwhelmed at your generosity in supporting us as we serve Ukrainian refugees. Donations like yours are allowing us to coordinate refugee hosting in private homes and in Airbnb’s, both in Warsaw and in our town of Mińsk Mazowiecki. Our church members are teaching Polish and hosting refugees, and on the AIM team, the Hershberger family have been our front-line people for refugee aid. Lavern has been spending many days in Warsaw, meeting refugees and helping them make connections for the next step of their journey. Sometimes this means helping them buy train tickets, driving them to the bus station, or finding them a place to stay for the night. Annaliese has been volunteering at the border, welcoming mothers and children as they first arrive in Poland. Lolita has been preparing apartments for new arrivals and feeding hungry refugees, besides being a wife and mom.

We have also been able to partner with individuals and organizations in refugee aid. We have been able to give financially to churches that are welcoming refugees, like the Baptist church in Chełm. Our friend Amanda Keeny is assisting our community in translation and debriefing as refugees arrive in their new homes. Matt and Lavern provided contacts and logistical support for International Host Connection as they worked to relocate an orphanage to a new location in our area. Other members of our team have hosted overnight guests who are volunteering in some way.

As you read the news and hear refugees’ stories, pray for the people of Ukraine. Also, pray for us, that God could use our small offerings of help in this crisis, and that we would have wisdom and endurance in serving sustainably.

If you would like to make a donation to our refugee relief efforts, see our information below.

Give to AIM

Donors may indicate preferences for where their gifts are used (such as refugee relief, staff support, Gateway to English, or Seed of Truth) and AIM will honor preferences where possible. AIM reserves the right to assign all contributions where needed. If you would like additional information about how funds are used or if you wish to pledge ongoing support, please contact Shannon Lehman at homeoffice@aimpoland.org or 717-816-4587.

To make a donation using credit or debit card, please visit our donate page.