Pray, Give, Go: Saddleback Relief Helping in Ukraine

Nearly four weeks ago, Russian tanks crossed the border into Ukraine prompting the largest military conflict in Europe since World War II. While some have stayed in Ukraine to defend their homes, millions of people, primarily women and children, have fled to neighboring countries to escape the war. Poland has received the largest number of refugees.

Saddleback has many deep ties in Ukraine. In the early 1990s, the church began training pastors throughout the Eastern European country. Since that time, those relationships have grown into ongoing partnerships with hundreds of churches and pastors in the region. Today, those pastors face a mighty struggle to spread God’s love, care for those who remain in Ukraine, and stay alive amid the Russian invasion. 

“It has been [Saddleback’s] policy, always, to help out when people are in pain,” Pastor Rick Warren said. “So it is now time to help Ukraine.”

While the world watches this deadly conflict unfold, Saddleback is doing everything possible to help the Ukrainian people. During the first few weeks of the conflict, a Saddleback PEACE Relief team went to the Polish-Ukrainian border in order to assess how the church can help those who are hurting most. 

While the need is astounding, Saddleback is committed to working with local churches and developing sustained relationships in order to continue serving the people of Ukraine well after the war has ended. 

For a report from Saddleback’s Relief team, watch the video above. To learn more about how to get involved with Saddleback’s efforts in Ukraine, click here.