Over five million Ukrainians have fled the country since Russia invaded, most of them women and children. Nearly 100 of Last Bell’s community members are now navigating life as refugees. From the moment of evacuation, they lived desperate questions every day: Can we safely cross the Polish border? Where will we stay? How will we afford basic necessities in an advanced European economy? How will my child go to school? How do we become official refugees and receive subsidies? 

In my travels in May, I was able to witness firsthand the life of our diaspora. When our van drove up to the property in the city of Vriezenveen, The Netherlands, forty moms and kids greeted us with clapping and tears. They were so eager to see Oksana and Andrey face to face. The red Last Bell van obviously represented home and all that had been left behind when missiles began falling in Zhytomyr. 

In the Netherlands, we reconnected with our moms and built relationships with our new Dutch friends. They’ve given up resources, time, and even their own comfort to take in our people. During our visit, they kept giving. After church on Sunday, one of the “birdies” (mentors to our refugee moms) warmly invited us over for tea and strawberry pie. In another town, the mentors again greeted us with dessert! 

All our new friends were ready to sit around a table and share a meal, working hard to understand each other even with a language barrier. In Vriezenveen, we held a big evening of thanksgiving for the volunteers – giving gifts, eating together, and thanking God for these relationships. They are shining light in the darkness. 

It was an honor to share a table with L. He’s a businessman, born and raised in Vriezenveen. When the war in Ukraine began, L. was praying and asking God how he could personally respond to the suffering he saw on the news. When he knew what God wanted him to do, he acted immediately. On a refugee website, he posted his availability to host a large group. Staff member Yuliana found his post just as their Poland location was getting too crowded. Leon and his family and friends chartered a bus for our group and quickly put together housing on family land. Their welcome was a healing salve for our moms and kids: Christian community, help applying for refugee status, engaging opportunities, bikes for kids to ride to school, and the most wonderful gift – our refugees’ “birdies.”

That evening at dinner, L. shared his heart, and I witnessed the Body of Christ responding to this war. In that same holy space, I listened as our moms weighed the most difficult decision: should they return to Zhytomyr, where they would be at home, sleeping in their own beds—a risk to their lives and their children’s lives—or settle more permanently in this foreign place? 

In the midst of these questions, we’re so thankful that our refugee moms and kids are together, both our group in Vriezenveen and smaller groups elsewhere. Those community clusters are essential for their well-being. In Vriezenveen, the mentors are a vital part of their nourishment. And we’re thankful for the 700 euros/month from the Netherlands that helps each family meet their basic needs. 

During this time of suffering the last few months, God’s people showed up!

When Russia’s years of aggression became an open invasion, our city and country faced an unprecedented crisis. Families fled, leaving their homes behind. Many lost jobs. Dads and husbands enlisted. We were determined to cushion the impact on our orphaned youth and families, who were already so vulnerable. But we couldn’t do it alone. 

Then your donations began coming in. First a flood online, then stacks of envelopes in the mailbox. Familiar names and new names, anonymous donors and close friends. All the work in the video below was made possible by your gifts.

Prompted by our compassionate God, YOU showed up for our community. You’ve given generously and prayed continually. We’re so thankful.

The war continues to bring destruction and disruption all over the country. Our refugees face a longer and longer exile. New needs arise… and we’ll keep responding, through your gifts to our War Relief fund. When the time comes, the same fund will help our families return and rebuild. 

Dear friends, 

It’s now been over three months since the invasion. Zhytomyr hasn’t been hit recently, but Kyiv is two hours away. Last week’s bombing was a sober reminder that war is still a threat to our region, not just the East.

And strikes from earlier in the war caused overwhelming damage. The north of our oblast (region) was hit hard. Malyn, on the route from Belarus to Kyiv, was a hot zone for the first few weeks. In May at least 100 homes were destroyed there, and many citizens were trapped in cellars for days.

Almost 1/3 of Ukraine’s population evacuated. But many are now returning. Some of our evacuated families hope to return soon, to reunite with husbands and fathers and begin to rebuild.

Already we see signs of the renewal we long for. More and more students are returning to the Day Center to play games, make crafts, eat together, and spend time with our staff.

And our Shelter just welcomed another new resident. That makes two! These moms and their babies have brought our Shelter back to life. Everyone is glad to see the bedrooms occupied and hear the babies’ cries; Anya C. is cooking again.

Prior to the war, our friends at Genesis Church provided funds for new furniture at the Shelter. After a war-related delay, our Restoration Project crew installed the new beds and wardrobes, and the two new residents are making good use of them.

Our community welcomed a third new life as well! Dima and his wife Valya, both orphans, are now parents. We’re ready to offer whatever help they need to keep their little family healthy. 

Thank you, friends, for your generosity, and for your prayer and fellowship during these challenges.

The Last Bell Team

If you’re new to Last Bell, welcome! Perhaps a friend recommended us, or you found us through Facebook or a fundraiser. We’re so glad you’re here. 

After reading our recent newsletters, perhaps you’re wondering: What is this “last bell”? And who, exactly, are orphaned youth? 

In Ukraine, many children still grow up in institution-style orphanages. And some remain in abusive, neglectful families, fending for themselves from childhood. These orphaned children grow into orphaned teens and adults.

In Ukrainian schools, the Last Bell Ceremony signals the end of the school year and the freedom of summer. But after the final “last bell” at graduation, teenage orphans enter a bewildering world alone, with minimal life skills and no one to love or support them.

That’s where Last Bell Ministries steps in. We offer mentorship, medical and dental advocacy, groceries, tutoring, help with education and job-hunting, apprenticeships, parenting classes, crisis housing, and more. We’ll continue sharing about our three programs – Educational Outreach, Stop the Cycle, and the Restoration Project – over the next few weeks. 

Now, orphaned young people are even more vulnerable. After intense weeks of evacuations, we’re supporting our youth and families wherever they are, whether they’re in Zhytomyr or refugees in other countries. We’re also providing war relief in our young people’s local community.

This is all made possible by your donations and your prayers. Thank you!

Several Last Bell leaders recently had the opportunity to visit with and encourage many of our evacuees. Megan Hershey, our Executive Director, flew in from the United States. Andrey and Oksana Pankyeyev drove from Ukraine, picking up Megan on the way to their first stop in Vriezenveen, the Netherlands.

Many of you are new to Last Bell, so perhaps introductions are in order! Andrey Pankyeyev is our Ministry Director in Ukraine, overseeing all facets of ministry. As a hands-on leader, he’s close to many of our youth and families. The kids love “Uncle Andrey.”

Oksana is the director of our Stop the Cycle program. Prior to the war, Stop the Cycle assisted orphans who became parents, especially single moms,  by providing parenting classes, camps, mentoring, childcare, and help with basic needs like groceries and crisis housing. Now, many have evacuated. Oksana’s like a mother to these women, and they hadn’t seen her for two months. The visit began with a joyful reunion. 

We’re so thankful for everyone helping our evacuees all over Europe. In Vriezeveen, our group is housed by Stichting Noodhulp Oekraïne Vriezenveen (Emergency Aid Foundation Ukraine – Vriezenveen). In addition to housing, they’re providing fun activities, new food experiences, babysitting, gym time, and so many other kinds of care.

Soon you’ll hear more about life for many of our refugee communities. Watch for that letter coming soon!

Churches here in Zhytomyr know many of the needs of their members, especially the elderly. So we learn a lot through church friends. God so often works through these everyday relationships.

The Zhytomyr oblast, or region, borders with Belarus for about 175 miles. In mid-April, Oksana and Andrey Pankyeyev drove to a village near the border. A girl from their church alerted them to elderly relatives there who needed medications, so they included the family in their deliveries. Our social media supporters prayed as they traveled so close to Belarus, and they made it back safely. 

In late April, our newest team member went on her first humanitarian aid run! Lillia’s 2-month-old baby accompanied Lillia and her husband to Lillia’s home village. They delivered supplies to twenty families, including elderly church members who are now home-bound.

Around the same time, husband-wife team Sergei and Anya heard from two different churches about those in need. So they delivered bulk humanitarian supplies to both, and made some personal deliveries along the way. 

Congregations also provide countless volunteers. About a week ago, staff member Sasha and church volunteer Masha Slad drove supplies to another area close to Belarus. Last Bell and Masha’s church bought the supplies together. The men—including a chaplain known to our staff—showed the team where they’ve made dugouts in case of attack. 

It’s sweet to know that church communities in America are praying together for our ministry and churches here in Ukraine. Thank you!

Our Netherlands group, led by staff member Yuliana, is feeling more hopeful that they’ll be able to stay in their current location. They’re working with local officials and filling out documents.

Aside from that good news, it’s been a difficult week. The husband of one of our Stop the Cycle moms was killed in the fighting. He leaves behind a six-year-old boy and an unborn baby. At least two more husbands from our Stop the Cycle community are being deployed.

One young man is being sent to the front lines; his wife is with our Netherlands group. “They’re orphans,” Yuliana said, “and only you and I can stand in the gap to pray for them.”

Our team asks for prayer for his protection and that he would trust in Jesus; and for his wife as well. She shared, “I really feel God’s hand in everything… If I didn’t know God, I would probably go crazy.”

It’s so hard for families to be separated. One day last week, a boy from the Netherlands group fell off a bike and injured his mouth; the same day, Yuliana’s son David pulled a table onto himself, had a bike accident, and pinched his fingers in a door. The injuries will heal, but they’re a reminder that everyone is stressed, grieving, worrying about their dads and husbands, and unsure about the future.

Yuliana’s husband is also on our staff. Sasha’s days in Zhytomyr are drastically different from his family’s. He’s constantly in motion: shopping, transporting supplies and people, guarding the Shelter. He delivers meals to military checkpoints and prayer gatherings. “When the sirens go off, almost no one stops their business, because they have things to do. There’s confidence in the troops, there’s faith in God,” he said. 

After his birthday in April, Sasha shared, “If you used to think ‘I’ve lived another year,’ now you think, ‘I’ve lived another day.’ This life ‘is a mist that appears for a moment and then disappears!’”

As we confront the moment-to-moment challenges of this war, we also trust God with the whole story of our ministry and our lives. We’re thankful for your prayers and your partnership through this part of the story.

In a devastating humanitarian crisis, everyone takes on new roles.

Yulia N., one of our Educational Outreach staff members, normally spends time with orphaned youth through trade school visits, activities at our Day Center, outings in the city, and one-to-one mentorship.

Before the war, Sergei C. was the foreman of our Restoration Project. A small crew of orphanage graduates apprenticed with Sergei to learn home renovation skills and restore the homes of their fellow orphans. Those projects are now on hold.

Like all our staff, Yulia and Sergei were drawn to Last Bell by their compassionate hearts and desire to serve orphaned youth and families. That same compassion drives them to help our many neighbors who are suffering. 

Not long ago, Yulia and Sergei drove relief supplies to Malyn, about 50 miles from Zhytomyr. Malyn was hit hard because it lies on one of the routes between Belarus and Kyiv. Yulia shared photos of the devastation the team witnessed. “Malyn was heavily shelled just a few weeks ago. The bridge was blown up. Many houses were damaged. Many people left.” 

Their cargo included 130 family-sized packages of groceries, hygiene kits, and Christian literature. For the local deliveries, they met up with volunteers from Malyn, who added children’s Bibles and Christian literature. Everyone prayed together and shared their faith with the families they met. “Mothers with children were especially open to the Gospel,” Yulia said. 

The compassion of our staff is sweetly echoed by your compassion in giving. Even across the ocean, you’ve been good neighbors. Thank you!

Can you imagine being an orphaned teenager in wartime? After a childhood of neglect, abuse, and years in an orphanage, you graduate into a bewildering world alone. Just as you begin to find your way, war upends everything.

Before the invasion, our Educational Outreach staff met orphaned teens in Zhytomyr’s trade schools and social dorms, teaching life skills and developing trust relationships. Now more than ever our youth need the stability of quality time with our staff.

We continue to meet practical needs as well. Dima, 21, became homeless when his guardians evacuated. At our Day Center he’s able to shower, wash his clothes, and have hot meals. We’re supplying groceries and helping him search for jobs. 

Andriy was part of our community before he moved overseas for work. In a recent check-in, he told us he has lymphoma. He moved to Prague, near friends, and his treatment will be free. But in the absence of family, our staff has been his support team, praying, listening, and encouraging.

Our community believes in Ukraine’s future, even though the present seems bleak. After the activity discussing the question “What is Ukraine to you?” staff member Yulia shared this message on behalf of the group: “We all believe that the war will end soon, and our Ukraine will rise, recover and become a prosperous country.” 

Thank you for standing with Ukraine! 

Every day, we’re meeting desperate needs. And each logistical step, from purchasing to packing to delivering, is fueled by your generosity.

First, your gifts purchase bulk supplies and keep our storage rooms well-stocked. These include dry goods, hygiene supplies, diapers, baby food, and more.

Then, our staff breaks down most of the bulk items and packs them for individual families. This is a time-intensive task! Many thanks to our monthly and general fund donors; your generosity keeps our hard-working staff paid even in a crisis, when so many citizens have seen paychecks dry up.

Some of those in need come directly to the Shelter. Recently, a family fled the fighting in northeast Ukraine and moved in with a missionary in Zhytomyr who’s a friend of Last Bell. The husband and father had been killed, leaving his wife with their six children. They dropped by the Shelter to pick up clothes and other supplies. 

Our team regularly delivers grocery bags and hygiene kits to our own orphan-parented families and orphaned youth. We’ve shared many of those stories over the past two months. We’ve also delivered supplies to local families on file with social services. 

Zhytomyr is on the evacuation route from Kyiv to the western parts of Ukraine, so we see many evacuees. Some stay a night or two, and some stay longer. All need humanitarian aid. Two staff members and four of our youth recently delivered bulk supplies to help the city serve refugees. 

Your donations provide the fuel, vehicle maintenance, and staff drivers for all these deliveries.

When our families are too far away, we take their boxes to the post office. Your gifts ship vital supplies to families in need.

The receiving families often share photos of their children surrounded by the groceries that will keep them fed and healthy. The most recent shipments included Easter sweets, toys, and New Testaments. 

In gratitude, one young mom recently sent this video of her youngest boy singing a famous Ukrainian folk song. Since the war began, children sing it all over the country. The last line says, “We will cheer up our glorious Ukraine!”

YOU are helping us cheer up and restore our beloved country. Thank you!