Ukrainian Refugee Shares About God’s Provision Amid Trials

Kristy Graham, host of On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse, sits down with Inna, a Ukrainian refugee who first came in contact with Samaritan’s Purse when she received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox as a little girl. Inna shares more about growing up in Ukraine and how receiving a shoebox when she was 6 years old changed her life.

“It was a huge impact on my life and since that, I think it was beginning of my journey of my faith and my relationship with God as well.” – Inna

Inna’s life was completely uprooted in February 2022 when the war began in Ukraine. She had five minutes to pack all the belongings she could fit into a small suitcase and backpack before fleeing the country. The journey to Poland with her mother and brothers was treacherous. The trip should have been 15 hours but instead it took five days. In the face of this trial, Inna was given a peace that could only come from God.

“It doesn’t matter what will happen the next minute because I was sure that [God] holds me in His hands. It’s crazy to say, but it’s war and I heard the sounds of explosion, but in every minute, I had peace in my heart.” – Inna

With the help of Samaritan’s Purse, Inna was able to relocate to England and receive assistance resettling in the country. She now lives in London, a place that she always wanted to visit. Uprooted from her home country, she has seen God’s faithfulness throughout the trials. Amid all the hardships in life, Inna’s trust in the Lord has never wavered.

“You chose to see God's hand and his provision and protection along the way. I just encourage people to do that whatever you're facing.” – Kristy Graham

Inna, an avid runner, dreamed of running a marathon one day. When presented with the opportunity to run the London Marathon with the Samaritan’s Purse UK affiliate office, she took advantage of it. Inna wanted to use her love of running to spread awareness for the facet of Samaritan’s Purse’s ministry that changed her life decades prior—Operation Christmas Child. In April, Inna ran the London Marathon and fulfilled her dream.

Inna knew in her heart that the plans God had for her were greater than anything she could imagine. Kristy shares Jeremiah 29:11 as an encouragement to Inna during this new season of her life.

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” – Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Please pray for Inna as she lives in London away from her community in Ukraine. Continue to pray for peace in Ukraine as the conflict is ongoing. And pray for the work God is doing all around the world through Operation Christmas Child. If you’d like to keep up to date with more stories on the ground, please visit SamaritansPurse.org.