When Russia’s brutal invasion shattered Ukraine in February 2022, an extraordinary network of compassion emerged from the rubble. Local pastors in Uzhhorod didn’t hesitate—they flung open their church doors to families fleeing the violence, creating sanctuaries of safety in a world turned upside down.
Transform Ukraine quickly rallied behind these churches, providing essential resources—food, washing machines, refrigerators, and bathroom facilities—enabling them to support approximately 500 internally displaced persons each night across eleven centers.
But three months into this humanitarian mission, these selfless pastors faced an impossible choice. With half their congregations either fighting on the frontlines or forced to flee the country, their churches could no longer pay their salaries. At the very moment their communities needed spiritual leadership most, these pastors faced the heartbreaking prospect of finding outside employment—dramatically limiting their ability to serve those in desperate need.
This is where One Collective, Transform Ukraine’s founding organization, created a powerful solution: the Sister Church Initiative. By connecting Ukrainian churches with American and European partner churches willing to cover pastors’ salaries, these spiritual leaders could continue their vital work full-time.
Perimeter Church in Atlanta pioneered this movement, partnering with City of Life Church in Kyiv. Despite being displaced from the capital himself, Pastor Eduard refused to remain idle in Uzhhorod. He coordinated with his daughter church members who opened their homes to refugees, and when Russian forces retreated from Kyiv, he returned to help rebuild his community. His ministry expanded beyond church walls—delivering groceries to displaced families and serving as a chaplain, bringing comfort to soldiers on the frontlines.
All of this life-changing work continues today because of one church’s commitment to stand with their Ukrainian brothers and sisters. While twenty churches have received support through the Sister Church Initiative, with ten currently supported, many more desperately need partners.
Will you join this movement of hope? Visit our website today to discover how your church can become a lifeline to Ukrainian pastors serving on the front lines of faith and compassion.