American Bible Society
Ukraine
Ukraine

Children face an uphill battle

In the past several years, violence and unrest in Ukraine has resulted in more than 2,500 deaths, countless physical injuries and a rise in poverty and unemployment. This level of turmoil has continually forced parents to abandon their children, sending them off to government-run shelters and orphanages. These children face an uphill battle as they seek to overcome their pain and grow into accepted members of Ukrainian society.

Opportunity

More than 96,000 Ukrainian children live without parental custody in boarding schools, shelters and orphanages. Experts on the ground believe this number will continue to grow, as irregular funding has made it difficult to connect these children with adoptive families. This deficiency has resulted in overcrowded facilities, often leaving children feeling unwanted and unloved.

To experience hope and healing, these children need to encounter God’s Word in a format they can read and understand.

Transformation

Ukrainian Bible Society, with support from American Bible Society’s financial partners, has set out to serve local youth through the printing of children’s Bibles. These Bibles—complete with full-color inserts—target youth ages 7 to 16, seeking to reach the widest number of people possible.

To distribute these Bibles to waiting recipients, Ukrainian Bible Society has employed the support of volunteers, church members and government-run institutions.

Icon of a stopwatchQuick Facts

44.4

million people live in Ukraine

26%

of the Ukrainian population falls in the 0-24 age bracket

96,000

Ukrainian children live in orphanages, boarding schools and shelters

356,000

Ukrainian children age 14 and younger work to support their families

Icon of hands prayingPrayer Points

  • Pray for the Ukrainian children who have already received their own Bible—that God’s Word would provide peace and encouragement in the midst of uncertainty.

  • Pray for strong partnerships between the Bible Society of Ukraine and volunteers, church members and government-run institutions.

  • Praise God for the ability to print and distribute Bibles to Ukrainian youth, and for the power of his Word in their lives.

Photo Credits:

Dag Smemo, Alex Sultan