Displaced but Not Forgotten: Dasha Novikova on War, Refugees & Bible Hope in Ukraine
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has created an unimaginable crisis, forcing millions from their homes and leaving a trail of destruction. Yet, amidst such profound suffering, stories of resilience, unwavering faith, and the tireless efforts of organizations like EEM (Eastern European Mission) shine as beacons of hope. We recently had the privilege of speaking with Dasha Novikova in Vienna, Austria, gaining a firsthand account of the challenges faced by Ukrainian refugees and internally displaced people in Ukraine, and how the distribution of free Bibles for refugees is making an eternal difference.
The Human Cost of Conflict: Understanding Displacement in Ukraine
The scale of displacement within Ukraine is staggering, impacting the lives of countless individuals and families, created one of the largest internal displacement crises in modern Europe. The war has forced people into a nomadic lifestyle, constantly seeking safety and stability. With over 12 million internally displaced people in Ukraine and millions more seeking refuge abroad, families are being torn apart and lives permanently altered. But in the midst of the devastation, Dasha reminds us that people are not only seeking shelter and food—they are searching for spiritual hope in crisis.
The Magnitude of Internal Displacement
Currently, approximately seven million Ukrainians have left the country, a slight decrease from the initial nine million as some areas have been liberated, allowing people to return home. However, nearly 12 million people remain displaced within Ukraine, unable to return to their homes due to ongoing military actions. Cities like Mariupol, once home to 500,000 people, have been largely destroyed. These grim statistics highlight the immense challenge of providing shelter and support to such a vast and vulnerable population.
The experience of internally displaced people is one of constant flux and uncertainty. They are often forced to move multiple times, seeking safety and basic necessities like schools for their children, kindergartens, and hospitals. Many leave their homes with just a backpack, completely alone and reliant on the kindness of others. This continuous migration underscores the critical need for sustained humanitarian aid Ukraine can rely on.
Life on the Borderline: Unimaginable Conditions
For those living in areas near the front lines, life is almost unbearable. Constant bombing, sometimes even for “entertainment purposes” by soldiers, makes it impossible to stay. While many flee, some remain, particularly those who are handicapped, sick, or bedridden, along with their relatives who care for them and cannot abandon their dear ones. The devastation is not just physical; families are broken, connections are severed, and the basic feeling of security is shattered. This highlights the immense need for Christian support Ukraine can depend on, offering comfort beyond physical needs.
Movement Without Destination: Supporting the Most Vulnerable
Among the displaced are the elderly, the disabled, and young children—many of whom cannot flee on their own. Dasha shares heartbreaking stories of caretakers who remain behind to tend to bedridden loved ones. For them, humanitarian Christian aid becomes more than charity; it is a lifeline.
Displacement is often not a one-time event. Internally displaced people in Ukraine continue to migrate within their own country in search of safer conditions, medical care, schools, and basic human needs. This unending movement highlights the need for continued support and adaptable responses.
EEM’s Vital Role: Bible Distribution in Ukraine and Practical Aid
EEM’s commitment to providing both spiritual and practical support to those affected by the war is truly inspiring. The team in Vienna continues to receive heartbreaking stories directly from the ground, reports that go beyond what is covered in the news.
Responding to Immediate Needs with Humanitarian Christian Aid
When government aid falls short, volunteer churches step in to provide essential support to displaced individuals. EEM partners with these churches, offering financial assistance and, crucially, Bibles. These immediate needs include funds for shelter, groceries, food, and medical help. The support extends to incredibly specific and critical needs, like helping a family purchase a car part so they could continue taking their disabled child to treatments. EEM’s focus is on providing tangible help where it is critically needed, demonstrating war relief through scripture and practical assistance.
Hope Through God’s Word: Bibles in Blackouts
One of the most poignant testimonies comes from the winter months, when blackouts left people without electricity, heating, or water. In these dire circumstances, people would gather together for warmth, reading Bibles by candlelight. These aren’t cozy scenes; they are desperate acts of finding solace when all other hope is lost. A particularly touching story involved a little girl who received a children’s Bible and slept with it as if it were a teddy bear, finding immense comfort in its pages. These stories underscore the profound impact of EEM Bibles and the spiritual hope in crisis they provide.
Light in the Darkness: Candles, Cold Nights, and God’s Word
One of the most powerful outcomes of the conflict has been the revival of spiritual hunger. In homes lit only by candlelight during blackouts, families read Scripture together, drawing strength from the promises of God. Bible distribution in Ukraine is not just a program—it is a rescue mission for the soul.
Imagine sitting in a freezing room with no heat, no power, and no water. Now imagine the only light coming from a flickering candle—and in that light, a Bible. This is the reality for many, and yet, they gather to read Scripture together. These are not moments of luxury; they are moments of deep discipleship during suffering.
One story that deeply moved Dasha was of a young girl who received a children’s Bible and clung to it like a teddy bear. In her eyes, it was not just a book—it was hope. These moments remind us of the importance of EEM Bible outreach, especially for young hearts seeking peace.
(Photo from EEM Ministry Partner in Zhytomyr, Ukraine)
The Enduring Spirit: Faith Amidst Desolation
Despite unimaginable hardship, the spirit of the Ukrainian people remains remarkably strong. Their grace, peace, and love for one another are truly heartwarming. While war rages on, something more powerful is rising: faith during war. For Dasha and countless Ukrainian refugees in Vienna and across Europe, this season of hardship is also one of revelation. Many are now understanding in a deeply personal way that this world is not our home.
A Foundation of Faith: God’s Word in Suffering
Dasha emphasizes that in times of trial, one grows significantly when standing on the foundation of God. The unwavering spirit of Ukrainians, even amidst horror, is a testament to this truth. The increased demand for Bibles is a direct reflection of this spiritual awakening. People are concentrating on eternal things when everything around them is falling apart, seeking something that human hands cannot destroy and that offers hope. This pursuit of crisis Bible support is a powerful testament to faith.
Even as communities are physically scattered, the bond of Christian support in Ukraine grows stronger. People are rediscovering the joy of community and the peace of Scripture. War is the destruction of community, but faith rebuilds it.
Seeking God in Desperate Times
Millions who were once too busy with life, jobs, and other concerns are now deeply seeking God’s word. They are actively asking for Bibles and New Testaments, finding distraction from their grim reality by reading about eternal truths and an almighty God who is in charge of everything. This turning to God is a beautiful aspect of suffering, as it draws people closer to Him and helps them discern what is truly real and valuable. This demonstrates how discipleship during suffering can lead to profound spiritual growth.
A Kingdom Perspective
Dasha shares that despite her safety in Austria, she feels she does not belong. This echoes a spiritual truth for all believers: our citizenship is in heaven. God’s Kingdom becomes even more real when the comforts of this world are stripped away. Dasha and her colleagues continue to serve others despite their own trauma. With donations and EEM partnerships, they are not only hearing heartbreaking stories but responding with humanitarian aid in Ukraine. From medical supplies to car parts for families transporting disabled children, they meet critical needs.
Hope Through God’s Word
Suffering has made the Bible come alive. Stories of displacement, danger, and divine deliverance are no longer just verses on a page. Ukrainians now understand firsthand what it means to flee to Egypt, to cling to God in times of terror, and to trust in His protection.
The crisis in Ukraine continues, but so does the movement of God. Through Bible distribution in Ukraine and the tireless efforts of people like Dasha, we see what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a hurting world. The requests for Bibles are increasing, not because people are desperate for paper, but because they are desperate for hope.
(Photo from EEM Ministry Partner in Vilkhovets, Ukraine)
A Call to Action: Continuing Support for Ukraine
The needs in Ukraine are immense and ongoing. While the news cycle may move on, the reality of destruction and displacement persists.
The Unending Need for Aid
The level of destruction in Ukraine is difficult to comprehend, and the challenges are not diminishing. Even in liberated areas, supply chains are broken, leaving people without food, medicine, or medical help. Volunteers bring basic necessities like bread, plastic to cover windows, and gas burners for cooking. This highlights the persistent need for humanitarian aid Ukraine continues to desperately require. The severity of daily life, with no electricity, water, or means to cook, is a stark reminder of the basic necessities we often take for granted.
Partnering with EEM: Making a Difference
The war in Ukraine is a stark reminder that we are not in our ultimate home. Just as Jesus and His family were displaced and suffered, God delivers His people through challenging times. This biblical reality is now deeply understood by many Ukrainians who are experiencing similar hardships firsthand. The requests for Bibles continue to pour in because the spiritual soil is fertile.
EEM provides a vital channel for those who wish to offer Christian support Ukraine needs so desperately. By donating through eem.org, you are helping to provide Bibles and essential aid to those who have lost everything. Your generosity allows EEM to continue planting the seed of God’s word in the hearts of those who are seeking Him most earnestly.
Conclusion
The stories from Dasha Novikova and the people of Ukraine serve as a powerful testament to human resilience and the enduring power of faith. Even in the darkest times, the light of God’s love shines through the compassion of individuals and organizations like EEM. By supporting Bible distribution in Ukraine and providing critical humanitarian Christian aid, we can help offer tangible hope and spiritual comfort to those who have lost so much. The requests for Bibles are a clear sign that God is moving powerfully amidst this suffering, drawing people to Himself and planting seeds that will grow deep and yield an eternal harvest.
You can be part of the answer. Help provide Bibles for Ukraine. Support humanitarian Christian aid. Be a voice for the displaced and a vessel for hope through God’s Word. Visit www.eem.org to give, share, and pray.
Because even in war, God’s Word cannot be silenced.
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