UPDATE: MB Foundation President Jon C. Wiebe announced March 2 that the Board of Directors approved a $25,000 contribution to the Ukraine MB Church Relief Fund. As of March 2, 49 contributors have joined this effort by contributing more than $45,000.
“Knowing firsthand the situations our brothers and sisters are facing causes us to respond financially. The needs are great and we want to support the people of Ukraine in our prayers and with our finances,” says Wiebe.
The Russian military invasion of Ukraine is significantly affecting the safety and well-being of our Mennonite Brethren brothers and sisters caught in the crisis.
In response, MB Foundation established the Ukraine MB Church Relief Fund to provide emergency relief and refugee assistance to the Association of MB Churches in Ukraine (AMBCU). The association includes 24 churches and 5 church plants.
While many are trying to evacuate to safety, others are staying behind, offering assistance to their church members and neighbors who have remained. Funds are needed to help provide essentials like water, food, fuel and medical supplies.
One Ukrainian requested prayer for those leaving. She says, “Many people are trying to leave the country and it’s their only way to escape. Pray for their safety. Pray for clear guidance to know where to go and for the Lord to prepare a place for them.”
Another request focused on those remaining in their community: “The situation is very bad. There are no resources for the purchase of water, food, essentials, medicines, fuel… In general, everything is needed.”
“The Ukraine MB Church Relief Fund was established to offer the constituency a way to provide support to the Mennonite Brethren churches in Ukraine,” says Jon C. Wiebe, President and CEO. “Although there is a great distance in miles, our prayers and financial support help to close the gap.”
Donations may be made online at www.mbfoundation.com/ukrainerelief or by sending a check made payable to MB Foundation, designated for Ukraine MB Church Relief Fund.
Funds not used for relief will be available for general ministry support to the Association of MB Churches in Ukraine.
MB Foundation is the stewardship ministry for the Mennonite Brethren church family in the United States. MB Foundation, headquartered in Hillsboro, Kansas, encourages and assists individuals, congregations and ministries in the Mennonite Brethren community with biblical financial stewardship solutions.