Inside Ukraine Pt. 1: Voices of the Survivors

Last September, thousands of miles of eastern Ukraine were liberated seemingly overnight. It revealed to the world the horrors that occurred during the occupation.

From the discovery of mass graves, to stories of torture and imprisonment, this city experienced so much pain. We knew we had to respond to help people in Jesus’ Name. Samaritan’s Purse deployed an Emergency Field Hospital less than 60 miles from the frontlines of the conflict. It was hidden in a bunker, and until now we couldn’t share about this life-changing work in order to protect our teams.

The field hospital served people who survived the occupation and suffered greatly. It became a beacon of hope hidden amongst a sea of destroyed buildings.

In this episode, host Kristy Graham shares about why this response was so critical. The episode starts with a conversation between podcast correspondent Stephen, and lab technician Trish. As they speak, they’re interrupted by the flash of explosions over the nearby city.

Stephen talks with several patients as they share their stories. One man came to the field hospital for a shrapnel injury and emotionally recounts the loss of his brother. Another shares how he was captured, imprisoned, and beaten in a basement. He said, “I believe that if I have survived, then God gave me a second chance.”

Another patient shares about how the horrors of war affected not only her and her husband, but also her young grandson. She explains why she and her family decided to stay in the first place, saying, “I don’t want to leave. It’s my country. It’s the place where my parents were buried.”

Kristy shares the hope that the field hospital is bringing to this region.

“The reason that Samaritan's Purse goes into dangerous places is to show the love of Christ while people are in the ditches of life…the Gospel changes and transforms brokenness.”—Kristy Graham

The episode ends with the sound of air raid alarms and the busyness of staff as they prepare to shelter in the basement.

Listen to part 2 of this story, which will release on Friday, Feb. 3, to hear what happens next.

Scripture Referenced

• Psalm 31

• Romans 15:13