Blogs — Humanitarian Aid Response Team

Ukraine at War – Update 06, 2026

When Hate Threatens to Overcome Love Chaplains serving on the front lines have shared a deeply sobering truth with us: it is dangerous when our hate becomes stronger than God’s love. The following reflection...

Ukraine at War – Update 05, 2026

Emergency Backpacks for Children in Ukraine. Today in Ukraine, children live with the reality that air-raid sirens can interrupt school or sleep at any moment. When they sound, families rush to bomb shelters—sometimes in...

Ukraine at War – Update 04, 2026

How Should Christians in the West Respond to the War in Ukraine? As this devastating war grinds on into its fifth year, the toll on believers across Ukraine is profound. At the same time,...

Ukraine at War – Update 03, 2026

YOUR Partnership at Work For 30 years, HART has walked alongside local churches to serve the most vulnerable across Ukraine and Eastern Europe. What began in the late 1990s with just a handful of...

Ukraine at War – Update 02, 2026

Why HART’s mission matters so much right now Over the past couple of months, Ukrainians have endured some of the harshest conditions of the war, facing the deadly combination of freezing winter temperatures and...

Ukraine at War – Update 01, 2026

Keeping the Local Church Shining “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity,...

Ukraine at War – Update 29, 2025

Ukraine is suffering. The Church is standing.Will you stand with them? Much of the hope we see today among our church partners and ministries would not exist without you. Let’s keep building on this...

Ukraine at War – Update 28, 2025

Ukraine is suffering. The Church is standing.Will you stand with them? For the fourth winter in a row, Ukrainian families are facing freezing temperatures without reliable heat, electricity, or water. Russia is targeting the...

Ukraine at War – Update 27, 2025

For all of us who deeply care about seeing Ukraine not only survive but thrive, last weekend’s 28-point “peace” draft from the U.S. landed with real shock. Instead of hope, it raised deep concern...

Ukraine at War – Update 26, 2025

Ukraine – Through The Eyes of a Child HART’s Art Competition has been a deeply moving and meaningful experience for everyone involved. Most importantly, it offered Ukrainian children—many still carrying the wounds of war—a...

Ukraine at War – Update 25, 2025

Just a few weeks ago, Pastor Yevhen’s church was struck by missile fire. Now, in these videos, his elderly mother’s neighborhood came under attack. What you’ll hear is haunting and ominous. Yet, by God’s...

Ukraine at War – Update 24, 2025

Unshakable Faith What do you do when war takes away your home – twice? For one Ukrainian family, the answer was unexpected: they worshiped God. Hi Stepan, war has brought deep pain and destruction...

Ukraine at War – Update 23, 2025

Unshakable Faith If God is for us who can be against us? Romans 8:31 Hi Stepan, Pastor Serhiy is a HART partner in a southern Ukrainian town near the war zone. During the Russian...

Ukraine at War – Update 22, 2025

School in Ukraine Under War Conditions For most children in Canada or the USA, the first day of school is filled with excitement – new backpacks and crisp notebooks, the anticipation of learning, and...

Ukraine at War – Update 21, 2025

We are honored to share this heartfelt message of gratitude from one of our Ukrainian partner churches – offered in thanks to friends like you. The weariness of war has nearly broken the strength...

Ukraine at War – Update 20, 2025

Since Russia first invaded Ukraine in 2014, Ukrainians have fought, bled, and buried their loved ones in defense of their homeland. Cities lie in ruins, families are scattered, and the air still carries the...

Ukraine at War – Update 19, 2025

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” — Matthew 6:19–20 In times of war, chaos, and uncertainty – like what our brothers and sisters...

Ukraine at War – Update 18, 2025

Civilians Under Fire: Russia’s Merciless Assault on Ukraine The image above captures the terror of just one night of relentless bombing by Russian forces. The yellow lines trace the deadly paths of Shahed drones,...

Ukraine at War – Update 17, 2025

GENEROSITY is LOVE IN ACTION There’s a powerful idea that Erwin McManus shares in his book, Stand Against the Wind – one that speaks directly to the hearts of people like you, who give...

Ukraine at War – Update 16, 2025

Without a doubt, new life stories will begin to unfold—thanks to everyone who participated, whether online or in person, at HART’s June 2025 Summer Camp & Relief Aid Fundraiser last weekend. The results are...

Ukraine at War – Update 15, 2025

Christian summer camp programs in Ukraine are more than recreational getaways—they are lifelines for children grappling with the psychological scars of war. By combining safety, emotional and spiritual support, counseling, and a sense of...

Ukraine at War – Update 14, 2025

Summer camp season in Ukraine is fast approaching! Several of our partner churches will begin hosting camps in the last week of June, with the majority taking place throughout July and August. We know...

Ukraine at War – Update 13, 2025

For thousands of children in Ukraine, summer camp is more than just fun and games – it’s a lifeline. It offers a precious glimpse of a future filled with faith, love, and hope. For...

Ukraine at War – Update 12, 2025

On June 13, 2025, HART will be hosting a special fundraising event in Calgary, Alberta, and we’d love for you to be part of it – even if you can’t attend. This evening will...

Ukraine at War – Update 11, 2025

This is what Ukrainian resilience looks like Eight-year-old Sasha Pascal from Odesa lost her leg in a Russian missile strike. Today, she’s back to doing what she loves – artistic gymnastics – but now...

Ukraine at War – Update 10, 2025

A Wartime Reflection on Easter Palm Sunday celebrates the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey and being regaled with praise by the masses. To call it that, though, demands that...

Ukraine at War – Update 09, 2025

The reconstruction of Ukraine has begun As Russia continues to bombard towns and cities – committing undeniable war crimes – Ukraine is responding with remarkable resilience and ingenuity. Amid the destruction, communities are rebuilding...

Ukraine at War – Update 08, 2025

Five-year-old Nicole and her father were killed in an attack on an evangelical church in Kyiv: only her mother survived Nicole Garanska and her father, Oleksandr, tragically lost their lives in a Russian drone...

Ukraine at War – Update 07, 2025

MUSK SHUTS DOWN ABDUCTED CHILDREN TRACKING PROGRAM How Much Is a Ukrainian Child Worth? Children should never be weapons of war. Yet, in the 21st century, before the eyes of the entire world, Russia...

Ukraine at War – Update 06, 2025

US Intelligence Suspended – Costing Ukraine Hundreds of Lives and Critical Military Data The betrayal of Ukraine continues. Last Friday, US President Donald Trump decided to cut off military aid to Ukraine, sever its access...

Ukraine at War – Update 05, 2025

USA’s 180-Degree Pivot Shocks Ukraine On Feb. 24, 2025, the third anniversary of the war, millions of Ukrainians collectively grieved. Not merely because of what Putin has done to their country and its people,...

Ukraine at War – Update 04, 2025

Now Is the Time to Stand With Ukraine The purpose of our HART blogs is to educate and inspire, ultimately highlighting the impact of God’s work made possible through your support of our ministry....

Ukraine at War – Update 02, 2025

USAID Suspends Work in Ukraine A charity in Ukraine that works with war veterans and their families has announced that it will discontinue its work because the Trump-led White House suspended USAID to Ukraine...

Mobile Home Project – Update 01, 2025

Mobile Home Project – Update 1, 2025 Rebuilding Lives – One Home at a Time On behalf of the pastors and churches in southern Ukraine who are coordinating the Mobile Home Project – THANKS...

Ukraine at War – Update 01, 2025

Thank You for Your Prayers and Support “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16) On behalf of our 200+ church...

Ukraine at War – Update 23, 2024

A SMALL STORY IN A BIG WAR A Mother’s Unexpected Blessing Very few families in Ukraine are untouched by the pain, sorrow, and loss caused by this war. Therefore, when a positive story emerges,...

Ukraine at War – Update 22, 2024

CHAPLAIN MINISTRY An Old Man’s Answered Prayer No Food Left Recently, our dear friend Pastor Gennady shared a story from his travels to the front-line regions, where he spreads God’s love through preaching, praying,...

Ukraine at War – Update 21, 2024

Ukraine marks 1,000 days of war with Russia. This week sees the one-thousandth day of the war launched by Vladimir Putin in February 2022. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is the largest European conflict...

Ukraine at War – Update 20, 2024

In today’s Western Christian landscape, there appears to be a prevailing sense of pessimism about the future. Many believers view the world through a lens that sees powerful forces driving us toward a dark...

Ukraine at War – Update 19, 2024

During my recent trip to Ukraine, I was struck by the remarkable spirit of the National Pastors and leaders I encountered. Despite the weariness evident in their eyes, their spirits shone with joy, enthusiasm,...

Ukraine at War – Update 18, 2024

An important objective for us while in Ukraine last month was to vet new ministries wishing to partner with HART. One ministry that caught our attention was one with a focus on ‘Children &...

Ukraine at War – Update 17, 2024

Reflections From the War Zone Returning to Ukraine for the first time since the war began in 2022 revealed a stark transformation in the country. Several things hit home for me. First, While the...

Ukraine at War – Update 16, 2024

Ukraine’s first ever, National Prayer Breakfast On June 29, Ukraine’s first National Prayer Breakfast was held in Kyiv, under the auspices of the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky. It was attended by believers of...

Ukraine at War – Update 15, 2024

‘Unthinkable’: Desperate Rescue Efforts in Kyiv After Russian Missile Strikes Children’s Hospital Spirit of the Ukrainian People An overview of the bombing and its aftermath. The influx of volunteers from all regions of Kyiv...

Ukraine at War – Update 14, 2024

Chaplains have become indispensable in the ongoing war, offering critical support to both soldiers and civilians. Their courageous presence on the front lines allows them to provide daily guidance, comfort, and hope to soldiers...

Ukraine at War – Update 13, 2024

UKRAINE CRISIS I realize it is hard for us in the West to fully grasp the scale of Ukraine’s crisis since the war began on February 24, 2022. Perhaps this illustration can help us...

Ukraine at War – Update 12, 2024

UKRAINE CRISIS RESPONSE Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure cause blackouts across the country Ten days ago, Ukraine imposed emergency power shutdowns in most of the country, a day after Russia unleashed large-scale attacks...

Ukraine at War – Update 11, 2024

Russia bombing Kharkiv and Region Thousands of Ukrainian residents have been forced to flee their homes in the Kharkiv region amid days of heavy shelling and incremental advances by Russian forces. HART ministry partners...

Ukraine at War – Update 10, 2024

EVERY GIFT TO HART HAS THE POWER TO TRANSFORM LIVES My greatest joy and fulfillment in HART’s work comes from witnessing the thousands of lives transformed spiritually and practically each year through our church...

Ukraine at War – Update 09, 2024

Another ‘Small’ Story in a Big War The letter you are about to read offers a touching, candid glimpse into the daily realities faced by countless children in war-torn Ukraine. Tetiana’s words are a...

Ukraine at War – Update 08, 2024

A Small Story in a Big War No story is truly small in the grand scheme of this horrific war. Each one represents the human spirit’s refusal to be extinguished, the determination to survive,...

Ukraine at War – Update 07, 2024

The following letter is for you and our entire HART community from a grateful ministry partner serving in Southern Ukraine near the war zones. Together, we CAN change the world – one heart at...

Ukraine at War – Update 06, 2024

In a recent journal post, Pastor Andrey (a HART partner) penned a prayer that encapsulates the feelings of so many Ukrainians we’ve talked to recently. Andrey spends the majority of his time traveling to...

Ukraine at War – Update 05, 2024

It sure seems like the world around us is circling the drain, doesn’t it? However, during these challenging times, we need to remember that no matter what station in life God has you in...

Ukraine at War – Update 04, 2024

What are Ukrainians really thinking? When Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a “special military operation” on Feb. 24, 2022, many expected his invasion of Ukraine would be over within days, or at the most...

Ukraine at War – Update 03, 2024

Of all the war crimes being committed by Russia in its brutal war on Ukraine, the mass deportation of children so they can be re-educated and raised as Russians stands out as one of...

Ukraine at War – Update 02, 2024

We are called to carry light into darkness. Dina’s hometown was shelled mercilessly by Russian tanks during their invasion. Most homes were destroyed, including hers. Six months later, when the Russians retreated, the locals...

Ukraine at War – Update 01, 2024

Your Support is Making a Difference! We know 2024 will be another challenging year for HART; however, as we contemplate the year that has just ended, our hearts are sincerely filled with gratitude and...

Ukraine at War – Update 24, 2023

Ukraine celebrates its first Christmas on DEC 25 Traditionally, Ukrainians celebrate Christmas on January 7th, in line with the Russian Orthodox church. However, Ukraine celebrated Christmas on December 25th this year for the first...

Ukraine at War – Update 23, 2023

Thanks to you and our entire HART community for your faithful prayers and support this past year. The following letter of thanks is from a partner ministry. It can be echoed hundreds of times...

Ukraine at War – Update 22, 2023

This is a heartfelt letter from a soldier stationed near the front lines of the war in Ukraine expressing gratitude to HART and his Sponsor for the profound impact they’ve had on his life....

Ukraine at War – Update 21, 2023

10 Years Ago, Dignity Rose Up for Liberty and Prevailed Hi Office, on Nov 21, Ukrainians nationwide commemorated the anniversary of the historic events that altered the trajectory of Ukraine’s history. This day, ten...

Ukraine at War – Update 20, 2023

WAR FATIGUE Hi Office, It is clearly obvious that the global spotlight has shifted from Ukraine to the Israel-Gaza conflict over the past several weeks. Therefore, it is understandable that many people in Ukraine...

Ukraine at War – Update 19, 2023

Dear Office, One of the most troubling aspects of this war is to try to make some sense of the destruction and death that that has engulfed the nation of Ukraine. Yet, as we...

Ukraine at War – Update 18, 2023

Dear Office, thank you for being a part of our HART community as we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the churches and people of Ukraine who are fighting for their freedom and democracy.

Ukraine at War – Update 17, 2023

Dear Office,The question I'm most frequently asked regarding Russia's war in Ukraine is, "What do you think will happen next?"

Ukraine at War – Update 16, 2023

We have partnered with this movement since 2015 and have coordinated two PTSD conferences for Ukrainian Chaplains in cooperation with The Billy Graham Association and Samaritan's Purse.

Ukraine at War – Update 15, 2023

This war is awful, but there seems to be a common theme among the countless pastors we have talked with throughout this conflict: God is using this war to build HIS CHURCH and extend...

Ukraine at War – Update 14, 2023

The following journal entries are authored by Brother Andrey, a HART ministry partner originally from the Donetsk region of Ukraine, where the war is now at its fiercest.

Ukraine at War – Update 13, 2023

Dear Office, Our Child Sponsor Director in Ukraine recently shared with us the following story, which serves as a poignant reminder of the anguish and grief experienced by countless families as a consequence of...

Ukraine at War – Update 12, 2023

Dear Office, It appears Ukraine’s long-anticipated “Counter-Offensive” may be starting. This will be a particularly dangerous and deadly chapter in Ukraine’s history. We hope and pray for victory and an end to this war...

Ukraine at War – Update 10, 2023

DOUBLE YOUR GIVING! Hi Office, thank you for being a part of our HART community as we together stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the churches and people of Ukraine who are fighting for their freedom and...

Ukraine at War – Update 9, 2023

Changing hearts, restoring hope, saving lives Greetings! While the news coming out of Ukraine can be depressing, our hope is that we are encouraging you with stories about how our church partners are responding...

Trauma is experienced by all children in Ukraine

Greetings! The impact of the ongoing war on Ukrainian children will be long-lasting and significant. Many have had to endure the loss of parents or siblings, the destruction of their homes due to shelling,...

Russia’s War on Ukraine’s Civilians

Russia’s war in Ukraine has shattered civilian life in much of the country, leaving millions unable to return to their homes and millions more forced to live with damaged infrastructure, without access to food,...

The dedicated pastors of war-torn Ukraine

Greetings! The people of Ukraine are exhausted from the ongoing conflict. A young pastor expressed his heartfelt reflections: “In my country at this time, we live from tragedy to tragedy, but we hope one...

Support the Children of Ukraine

Greetings! March 16 marked one year since Russia bombed a large theater in Mariupol where residents were seeking shelter in the basement, killing hundreds of people despite giant painted letters on the ground outside...

TEARS FOR UKRAINE

Greetings! For most people in North America, their interest in the daily news of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine seems to be waning. Let’s face it, we in the West have short attention spans. But...

Ukraine at War – Update 03

One year later: How Russia failed in Ukraine Greetings! Feb. 24, 2022, was supposed to bring the existence of a 40-million European nation (Ukraine) to an end. Long before the dawn of light, Ukrainian...

Ukraine at War – Update 02

Some predict this conflict could go on for years, while others, like President Zelensky - say that with proper assistance from the West, the war could be over by the summer.

Ukraine at War – Update 01

FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS Greetings! It’s no exaggeration to say that 2022 has turned out to be a year unlike anything we have seen before or could have imagined. In November-December 2021,...

Ukraine at War Update 29

War forces Ukrainian families to spend Christmas apart Greetings! With Russia’s war still raging, countless Ukrainian families faced the pain of spending the Christmas season apart. This was the case for the millions of...

Ukraine at War Update 28

Greetings! one of the highlights at our office in Calgary are regular ZOOM meetings with HART’s staff in Lviv, Ukraine.

Ukraine at War Update 27

Ukrainians Are Proclaiming Their Resilience Thru Music Greetings! Russian attacks on Ukraine have become more brutal in recent weeks.

Ukraine at War Update 26

The resiliency of the Ukrainian people Greetings! Shortly after the war began last February, it became clear that Ukrainians would fight to the end, go through all the hardships and do anything possible and...

Ukraine at War Update 25

A brave fighter for Ukraine Bohdan grew up in a Christian family. He was surrounded by the love of his mother and grandparents, who raised him as best as they could, despite not having...

Ukraine at War Update 24

Greetings! Millions of children in Ukraine have suffered from more than eight months of relentless bombing and shelling, spending much time in basements or bomb shelters amid air raid alerts. They have endured lack...

Ukraine at War Update 23

Greetings! Following the Crimean Bridge bombing on the weekend, Vladimir Putin is now unleashing his revenge upon civilian populations in a variety of Ukrainian cities – and adding more war crimes to his resume. The...

Ukraine at War Update 22

“The refugees need us… but we need them too.” Greetings! In contrast to the horror and destruction of the war in Ukraine, it is remarkable and refreshing to hear Ukrainian Pastors say, “our church...

Ukraine at War Update 21

Greetings! It was the first day of school in Ukraine on September 1, but children weren’t sharing memories of fun vacations with their families. Their stories were of surviving war. For many, their last...

Ukraine at War Update 20

Greetings! The most difficult moment of Pastor Sergey’s life unfolded in a packed Kyiv train station not long after Russia invaded Ukraine. The pastor had to send his wife, two sons, and several members...

Ukraine at War Update 19

Greetings! Pastor Olexsandr in Lviv has this message for you and everyone in HART’s community. “We are all exhausted, the war has brought much grief and changed many things in our lives, but the...

Ukraine at War Update 18

Greetings! courageous pastors and volunteers in our network of partner churches throughout Ukraine are serving as unsung heroes of this war. Tens of thousands of lives have been touched by their concern and love...

Ukraine at War Update 17

Greetings! HART, along with our network of partner churches throughout Ukraine, have been working tirelessly over the past five months of this terrible conflict – providing emergency food, clothing, water, shelter, medical care, and...

Ukraine at War Update 16

Greetings! Every refugee has a story to tell. And although every story is unique, there are many common themes: The terrifying air-raid sirens, living in bomb shelters for days or weeks, enduring hunger and...

Ukraine at War Update 15

Greetings! Ukraine became a warzone just four months ago. Thousands of apartment buildings have been destroyed by Russian shelling. Streets are littered with burned cars and trees. Windows are shattered. Homes are nothing but...

Ukraine at War Update 14

Love in Action Greetings! Our sincere thanks to you and all of our HART community who participated in the MATCHING FUND offers during the past 4 months. Your generous support helped us exceed each...

Ukraine at War Update 13

100 DAYS Greetings! When Russia started its invasion on February 24, it was impossible to imagine this tragic war going on for 100 days with still no end in sight. ‘100 days’ may sound...

Ukraine at War Update 12

Civilians are being targeted Greetings! like you, for the last three months, we have watched Russia’s invasion of Ukraine unfold with shock, disbelief, anger, and heartache for those that are suffering. Shortly after their...

Ukraine at War Update 11

Current greatest need – FOOD Greetings! thanks to you and everyone in our HART Community in Canada and the USA for your care and concern for the Ukrainian people. You are saving lives every...