Kira’s journey from fear to friendship
A family forced to flee their war-torn home finds hope, friendship, and belonging at a Mission Without Borders community centre.17th February 2025
Fleeing the War Zone
“Our region very quickly turned into a front-line war zone, and there was heavy shelling in our hometown. The children were terrified,” Olena recalled. When war broke out in Donetsk in 2022, Olena and her family had no choice but to flee. Her daughter Kira, then 10, and son Oleksandr, only three, were deeply affected.
“From the first morning of explosions, Oleksandr clung to me,” she said. “Kira tried to act mature, but I knew she was paralysed with fear.” With only food and essential documents, Olena, her children, her disabled brother, and her elderly mother set out on a journey to safety.
Like millions of Ukrainians, they expected to return home soon, taking only food and essential documents. Instead, after months in crowded shelters, they found a small, run-down house in western Ukraine. “It wasn’t what we were used to,” Olena said, “but at least we were safe.” It’s been almost three years now, and the longing for home, family and friends remains.
Finding Friendship and Belonging
Living 900km from home, in a village with few opportunities, Kira struggled with loneliness. “After leaving home, I lost my friends and my everyday life,” she shared.
Her father learned about a Christian community centre in a nearby town, and soon, Kira and Oleksandr began attending.
At the centre, children play, learn, and hear about God’s love. “We were glad to meet Kira and Oleksandr,” said Nina, a volunteer. “They are kind children who needed a place to belong.” Kira found comfort in the friendships she made and in learning about Jesus. "I like to hear about God. The idea that Jesus knows me personally and wants to be a part of my life amazes me,” she said.
A Future with Hope
The war has left many children with deep trauma. An estimated 1.5 million Ukrainian children are at risk of depression and PTSD.
Olena has seen a remarkable change in Kira. “She was closed off, but now she is more confident and cheerful,” she said. “She has found what she was missing: friendship, acceptance, and support.”
Now, Kira and Oleksandr will be enrolled in Mission Without Borders’ child sponsorship programme, ensuring they receive ongoing support, encouragement, and the hope that comes from knowing they are not alone.
Your support can give a child like Kira and Oleksandr the chance to heal, grow, and find hope again. Sponsor a child today and change a life forever.
