United Methodists continue to scramble to provide aid to war-displaced people in Ukraine and surrounding countries. One recent challenge: Finding new housing for displaced people in western Ukraine who had been using a school as shelter.
United Methodists in Eastern Europe have been welcoming Ukrainian refugees since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of their country. UM News staff photographer Mike DuBose was part of a team that traveled to Eastern Europe in late May to share stories of United Methodists’ humanitarian ministry.
United Methodist churches in countries near Ukraine rely on volunteers as they work with Ukrainian refugees, but they're also hiring Ukrainians for certain relief-related tasks. One church in Poland is teaching Polish to Ukrainian refugees but also teaching Ukrainian to Poles helping refugees.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, denomination members have been busy and creative raising funds for humanitarian aid, with the United Methodist Committee on Relief reporting targeted donations of more than $5 million.