The blackened corner pictured below is the house in which Ukrainian Baptist Roman Golovanov and his wife lived for 13 years.

This house was handbuilt by his father-in-law. In it, they had raised their children and hosted many guests and missionaries—including UBA’s Church Consultant Sally Hinzie.

His whole life remained in this house—books, memories of his grandmother and father, children’s toys, diplomas, and research outlines. Everything he collected over the years, turned to smoke in a moment. 

Despite the hardship, Roman has learned to trust God during war times. He writes:

Lord, how can we not lose my heart as evil like this takes not only belongings but also the lives of women, children, and fathers....

Naked we came into this world and naked we will leave it. For me and my family, for my country, this is a period of night, a period of fears, trials. and worries. Yet I know the morning will come, and we will see the light. 

I won't cry yet. There's just a deaf shock inside. A little later, after the war, we'll cry...

Lord, I'm tired of seeing this evil, but I don't want to get tired of fighting. I’m thankful that I’m alive, thankful that my family is safe, and thankful that the family that lived in our basement evacuated a few days ago. My most precious thing I have is my family and my faith.

God, You have given, You have taken. Help me to accept this as Your will. Comfort my family, take away the pain, give me hope. Help me not to regret everything gained and lost...

“War gives us opportunity for ministry too,” Roman later recounted while sitting at Sally Hinzie’s dinner table. He continued, “God is using the war for us to minister.” 

By God’s grace, Roman’s family fled their home in Kiev just before Russian soldiers came to the city. They were able to return in time to continue operations at Camp Karabin, where Roman serves as the camp director. Camp Karabin is a Christian camp in Ukraine aimed at engaging children in crisis—even while the war is ongoing.   

When Continuing Ministry Becomes Even more Crutial

Camp Karabin has been focused on addressing children facing hardships since the war started in Ukraine to prevent the long-term effects of these issues. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has only increased the number of children dealing with homelessness, war, and the death of one or both parents. 

The camp is located in a safe, rural area of Ukraine, so Roman and other leaders wanted to keep summer camp going despite the war. They were able to host 1015 children. Roman writes how important the ministry of this camp has been during the war:

Warning: Some of these quotes are graphic.

Every day I look into the eyes that have seen death, in the eyes of children who fled from the Russians and begged not to be killed.

Dima, 11 years old, Irpin: I was drinking tea in the kitchen when a bullet flew into the window. It flew near my head and stuck in the fridge.

Igor, 8 years old, Mikhailivka-Rubezhivka: They forced us to hang a white flag on the fence, forbade us to leave the house, and then shot my dad.

Masha, 10 years old, Mariupol: When Dad returns from the war, it will be the best day of my life, I don't need any gifts anymore, just Dad.

Anya, 12 years old, Bucha: When they started climbing into our yard, they killed our dog, then my mom hid me and told me so I wouldn't hear. I had to sit quietly and not come out.

Bogdan, 7 years old, Kyiv: Bombs exploded right next to us, and I cried a lot. I hugged Dad so much that I couldn't close my ears at the same time to not hear the explosions.

Vlad, 12, Kherson: We had a lot of plans with Dad. We wanted to go camping and fishing; but he said the boys were waiting for him, and he had to go to war.. I haven't seen him in four months, and I'll see him in six months.

Katya, 9 years old, Irpin: Mom said that Dad would not come back anymore. But I have faith that he will come because he wasn't shown; we couldn't bury him..

Some of these children will manage to overcome the pain of loss, and some will not. In any case, they will have to learn to live on—some without a father, some without a home, and all with the sadness and pain that the Russian Federation brought to Ukraine…

Even after our victory and the war is over, the suffering of many children will not end. The pain of losing loved ones and other tragic events they have seen or experienced will haunt for a lifetime…

During 90 days of summer together with Karabin Camp, we received over 1000 children who survived the horrors of war, were occupied, and lost parents and homes. These were military children and children whose fathers died in the war. Together with our partners, we will do everything to restore little Ukrainians to a full life…

This fall, Camp Karabin hosted an art camp as well as an English camp. The art camp featured experienced art therapist, Olga Pylypei. Kayley Roth and Jennifer Wanjiku Roth, from Can Do Kids International, helped facilitate the immersive English camp experience. It was a chance to play, to heal, and to learn the resilience needed for their lives ahead.

UBA Churches stand in the gap

Over the years, UBA Consultant Sally Hinzie has developed a close relationship with Russian and Ukrainian leaders. When Pastor Vadym Kulenchenko suggested raising support for Camp Karabin by filling a shipping container with humanitarian aid, Sally stepped up to coordinate. 

Sergey Khripunov, a Russian member of WoodsEdge Community Church in the Woodlands, had already coordinated the shipping of a couple of containers, so he offered to help Sally discern what kids and their families really need right now and how to get it there. 

When Sagemont Church and Westbury Baptist Church heard about the need, they offered to help. Sagemont is collecting grocery items as well as quilts for the long winter months Ukrainians already face. Westbury Baptist Church volunteered to coordinate certain hygiene items needed. 

The lists of goods needed include things like:

• Groceries for families

• Hygiene supplies (toiletries, soap, shampoo, sanitary napkins)

• Housing supplies for those starting over (blankets, sheets, pots, pans, utensils)

• Health (meds, vitamins)

• Refugee centers (toilet paper, games, paper towels)

If you, your small group, or church would like to get goods to Ukrainians in need, contact Sally Hinzie.

After they’ve received enough goods and funds to fill and send the container, Sally and Sergey will coordinate sending it through a local Baptist pastor in Ukraine.

NOTE: PLEASE BUY APPROVED ITEMS ONLY. 

Though every gift is considerate, not everything is most helpful to those facing severe winter weather, food insecurity, and homelessness, and war right now. If you’d like to get something that’s not on the list, please contact Sally. 

As we enter a season of generosity, consider how your church or small group could join the effort to support Ukrainian families in need. Contact Sally Hinzie if you’re interested in helping. 

The container will be shipping by end of January or early February.

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Photo by Miha Rekar on Unsplash