Dear Sponsor,
My name is Artur and I am 11 years old. I live in a city. My mom works as a nurse in a hospital. I don’t have any brothers or sisters.
My best friends are Sanya and Danya. Danya goes to my church. My mom wanted to help me find a friend, and she did — mostly Danya, because he shares a lot with me. And Sanya was the one who introduced us.
At Christmas, we usually go to church. During school holidays, I like going for walks. I am in the 5th grade. I get to school by trolleybus. I stay at school until about 3:30 p.m. at the latest, which is 8 hours and 30 minutes, and the shortest day ends at 1:40 p.m., which is 6 hours and 40 minutes. Sometimes I get teased at school and I’m not sure why. At school I study Ukrainian language, Ukrainian literature, Science, Math, World Literature, History, and Labor Training. My two favorite subjects are Labor Training and History.
My favorite food is pasta carbonara. At home we usually eat boiled potatoes, and on holidays we have chicken. In my free time, I like going for walks. I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up.
Thank you very much, dear Sponsor, for helping me and my family. I want to ask you: what do you like to do in your free time? If you want, please write back.
Your friend,
Artur
Caseworker Comments:
Artur is a sincere, gentle, and open‑hearted boy whose childhood has already been marked by the painful realities of war. Though he is only eleven, he has lived through experiences no child should ever face. Together with his mother and grandmother, he was forced to flee his hometown of Kherson when the occupation made it too dangerous to stay. His mother first escaped with him, and later his grandmother joined them when the situation became unbearable. They left behind their home, their memories, and everything familiar, carrying only what they could and trusting God to guide their steps.
For the past four years, they have been trying to rebuild their lives in a big city. They have found a church community, a place of warmth and fellowship, but their financial situation remains extremely difficult. The family rents a small two‑room apartment for 6,000 UAH (about $139 USD) each month, while their total income is only around 10,000 UAH (about $232 USD). After paying rent, very little remains for food, clothing, school supplies, and other basic needs. Their home is modest but clean — a simple space with the essentials, where Artur sleeps on a mattress in the living room. It is enough to survive, but not enough to thrive.
Artur’s mother, Olha, works tirelessly as a nurse in a hospital. Her job is demanding even in peaceful times, but during war it becomes an act of courage and sacrifice. Despite exhaustion and financial strain, she remains faithful, responsible, and willing to serve others. She helps with the church’s Day Center activities whenever she can and attends a Bible group with her son and mother. Both she and Artur’s grandmother came to Christ years ago in Kherson — they repented, were baptized, and have held onto their faith through every trial. Artur is just beginning his own spiritual journey. He attends church every Sunday and participates in Day Center meetings, where he receives encouragement, friendship, and the love of Christ.
Artur himself is an active, kind, and generous boy. He loves going for walks, enjoys computer games, and studies well. His favorite subjects are English, history, and physical education. Despite everything he has been through, he remains hopeful, fair, and eager to learn. But the weight of displacement, financial hardship, and instability is something no child should carry.
This family is vulnerable, not because they lack strength, but because the challenges they face are simply too heavy for them to bear alone. They are humble, sincere, and deeply grateful for any support. Sponsorship through HART would be far more than financial help. It would be a lifeline. A reminder of God’s provision. A sign that they are not forgotten. A source of hope that speaks directly to their hearts.
For Artur, sponsorship would mean stability, encouragement, and the chance to grow into the young man God created him to be. For his mother and grandmother, it would be a blessing that lifts their burdens and strengthens their faith in God’s care.
