On 24 February 2022, my world crumbled into indescribable, unbearable shock. Waves of hopelessness and helplessness engulfed me and my husband as we listened to the news from Ukraine. Russia had invaded Ukraine. Phone calls from family and friends in Ukraine left us terrified. The sounds of the air strikes, sirens: terrifying! Then my family video-called me and the Russian tanks were on their street and stopped in front of their house in Kyiv. I realised we had to do something.
Ireland allowed Ukrainians to be refugees. So I called everyone I knew, inviting them to come to stay with me. It was a difficult decision for them. Travelling through Ukraine was dangerous with the conflict. No one knew what the right thing to do was. 11 people decided they would come. It was a long difficult journey. A story too long to tell, but God was so good. Despite all the pain and uncertainty; kind strangers, generous church members and many miracles paved the way for them to finally arrive in Ireland. We were overwhelmed by the blessings showered on us.
We then realised there were so many other Adventists trying to flee. They would arrive at the border afraid, disorientated, traumatised and desperately looking for someone they could turn to for help. Someone that they could trust. People were calling me. Anxiously asking “can I help them too?” I meet with Ps Dan and the Pastors. The IM officially agreed to provide assistance to the Ukrainian refugees and I was appointed coordinator. My number was made available to people and the Viber group I created grew exponentially. I helped anyone who contacted me, Adventist or others, and assisted many groups of people come to Ireland.
The conflict is not over yet. I still manage the Viber group and help people who reach out to me. The greatest need now is spiritual support for the many Ukrainian refugees spread throughout the country. I would like to say a special thank you to Ranelagh Church which has involved the refugees in church life - Discover Truth Ministries, ACS Soup Run, special meals for fellowship, and a Russian Sabbath School class. I would also like to use this opportunity to thank everyone who has donated, assisted and extended kindness to the refugees. A very huge thank you to those who have opened their doors to host people. A special thank you to Ps Dan, Ps Christian, and every pastor in the Irish Mission. To Ranelagh Church, the Romanian Church and the Women’s Ministry Department with Lydia. The various branches of ADRA who helped. Thank you everyone for being God’s hands and feet to help a Ukrainian refugee experience God’s heart of love for them in a very traumatic world.
Natasha Didkivska’s story as told to Pam Petersen.
