By Kim and Herb Burkett,
members of SEND’s Ukraine | Eurasia team
February. March. April.
Life for millions of people changed forever as the war came to Ukraine. The seminary, where Kim was teaching when the war broke out, was quickly transformed into a refugee center where thousands of people took temporary shelter.
SEND Ukraine missionaries, including ourselves, also evacuate. We traveled to Poland, spending two full days at the border before getting through. We began serving at a refugee center where over 500 people passed through to safety.
May. June. July.
After our SEND Eurasia conference in Turkey and the closing of the refugee center where we served in Poland, we gained permission to return to Ukraine – trusting God for what was ahead.
There were opportunities to serve internally-displaced people and continue with our ongoing ministries, such as pre-marital counseling (13 couples from our church married in 2022) and serving at the seminary, which transformed back into a seminary from a temporary refugee center.
Camps are always an exciting time! We helped our church with both teen and children camps. Many of our participants have found refuge in our city. 
August. September.
While walking downtown in L'viv, it is not uncommon to encounter a funeral procession as fallen Ukrainian soldiers are honored.
The new academic year began with a record enrollment of new students (66 women enrolled in the women's ministry program alone). With all that is happening, Ukrainians remain hungry for the Word of God and desire to become better equipped to serve those in need.
Our church continues to grow. With great excitement and thankfulness, we have watched our church grow as people come into a saving relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ!
Small groups continue, an intensive discipleship program for our members has started, and we look for opportunities to equip people to serve others.
October. November. December.
The numerous attacks on Ukrainian infrastructures have left people in Ukraine with many challenges – no power, heat, or water. There are times that we have had to find shelter in our underground parking garage, for which we are thankful.
One fun fact - after being closed since February, we were finally able to get some fries from McDonald's - what a treat!
In December, just before we left for the States, our church had another baptismal service. We continue to praise God that even in these difficult times, people are turning their hearts to Him.
Find more stories and information on the Ukraine Updates page where you can also pray, give, and advocate.
