The ongoing war in Ukraine: ‘Our trust and hope are in God’

It has been almost four years since Russia invaded Ukraine. Although negotiations between the two countries have been ongoing in recent months an end to the war does not yet seem to be in sight. We spoke with three of our field workers in Ukraine about the impact of the war on their lives, how they view the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, and what their hopes are for the future.

What impact has the war had on your lives?

Ira: “I never imagined I would live in a country at war. I often read in the Bible that there would be wars, but I always thought they would happen somewhere else. One day, however, we were awakened by heavy gunfire and loud explosions and realized that the war was happening here. The first few days were chaotic, frightening, and stressful. Nevertheless, we decided without hesitation to stay in Ukraine to help people and the Jewish community, especially in these difficult times.

For safety reasons, we had to send our children to Belgium. That was the hardest thing for me. I remember hugging them at the border, not knowing when I would see them again. I will never forget the frightened look on my youngest daughter’s face, aged eight, as she had to walk away with a large crowd of refugees, leaving her parents behind.

Ira hands out food parcels for the Jewish community in Tsjernikov. | Photo: C4I

Koen Carlier (Ira’s husband): “The moment our three children had to cross the border is also etched in my memory. It was a very emotional moment. It’s difficult to describe everything that goes through your mind at such a moment.

As far as our work in Ukraine for Christians for Israel was concerned, we were well prepared. We had a shelter for 300 people, a large generator, a kitchen, a medical center, thousands of kilos of food, and thousands of liters of diesel for the vans, as well as a group of volunteers. Still, when the war broke out, I knew that our work was entering a completely different phase.”

Nataliya: “At first, to be honest, it was hard to believe what was happening. I was very anxious, but what kept us going was the belief that we were not alone. Now, with the almost daily shelling, I am starting to get used to it, strange as that may sound. Meanwhile, I notice that the loss of friends and acquaintances, as well as the sudden explosions, are having a major impact on my health. If the war ever ends, it will never be the same as it was before, and we have to accept that.”

“I will never forget the frightened look on my youngest daughter’s face, aged eight, as she had to walk away with a large crowd of refugees, leaving her parents behind.”
– Ira

What gives you strength and hope at this moment?

Ira: “In these difficult times, people are desperately searching for hope, trust, and peace. Some place their hope in Trump, others in Europe, NATO, or heavy weapons, forgetting that our trust and hope, even that of the military, must be placed in God. Where do I find my strength and hope? I want to answer with the words of a well-known song:

You are my only hope
Jesus, you are my only hope
From early morning until late at night,
You are my only hope
You are my only peace, Jesus
You are my only joy, Jesus
Everything I need, is you
Jesus,  everything I need, is you
From early morning until late at night,
Everything I need, is you.

Koen: “Our work in Ukraine has never been easy, but we feel strengthened by the Bible. God’s Word contains countless encouragements, especially for difficult times. We know that our work involves regular obstacles. At the same time, we feel that people are praying for us. I always say, ‘Your prayers are the fuel for our work.’”

Nataliya: “Only in God does my soul find rest. I have also discovered that I regularly need to recharge my batteries outside Kiev, just so I can sleep peacefully. I also find support in the church and our Christians for Israel network. How good it is to be together as brothers and sisters, especially when people share the same vision and are of one spirit.

Nataliya (middle) embraces two Jewish women who are immigrating to Israel. | Photo: Svetlana/C4I

What motivates you to continue working for Christians for Israel despite the challenges of war?

Ira: “My main motivation is that I have a calling to serve the Almighty and others and to find meaning in what we do. We are living in extraordinary times, involved in very special work for Israel and the Jewish people, and seeing prophecy fulfilled with our own eyes.

Amidst all the uncertainty, the support we provide to people immigrating to Israel and to the Jewish community—whether it’s transportation, food packages, or other needs—is a real lifeline. It touches lives and gives a sense of hope. I am sure they will never forget it. I think that in these dark days, we see God’s hand and His miracles more than ever. I also draw my motivation from prayer and worship, to maintain hope and strength.”

Koen: “I agree. It is important to remain faithful, even under difficult circumstances. ‘Comfort, comfort My people’ applies not only in times of peace, but comfort is also – or perhaps especially – necessary in times of war. At the beginning of the war, we told all our employees and volunteers that they could decide for themselves whether to stay or flee. We will not judge anyone for the choice they make. But we will remain at our posts, because our task continues: as non-Jews, we help Jews return to the Promised Land. When I called my senior father at the beginning of the war, he also said, “A soldier must remain at his post.”

Nataliya: “I don’t refer to it as work, because I think ‘ministry’ is a better word for our team. There is an inner confidence that the Lord has given us and entrusted us with to care for His people at this time.”

“‘Comfort, comfort My people’ applies not only in times of peace, but comfort is also—or perhaps especially—necessary in times of war.”
– Koen

What do you think about the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine?

Koen: “I’m more pessimistic than optimistic about this. That pretty much says it all. As long as Russia doesn’t get what it wants, I think the war will continue. We see that despite the negotiations, the attacks from Russia are only increasing, especially targeting the already weakened infrastructure.”

Nataliya: “To be honest, I don’t get involved in politics. I don’t trust politicians and I hardly have time to follow what’s going on. Information is often unreliable these days. I only believe that the almighty God will help us.”

Do you believe that the negotiations can lead to peace?

Ira: “I would like to believe so, but as history shows, it will probably only be a temporary pause and a preparation for a new invasion. The good news is that God is in control.”

Koen: “I think that Ukraine ultimately has no choice but to give in to Russia’s demands.”

Nataliya: “Fortunately, history has examples of peaceful solutions to wars through negotiations. At the same time, the Lord is the only one who can end wars. In my opinion, people need to repent of all their sins.”

Koen (fifth from left) with a group of Jewish immigrants leaving for Israel. | Photo: C4I

What are your hopes for Ukraine’s future?

Ira: “There’s a saying: ‘A pessimist is a well-informed realist’. Still, I want to be optimistic about Ukraine’s future. It is my country, where my parents and ancestors come from, where I was born and raised. Right now, my heart bleeds for Ukraine. I share the pain and suffering of my people, but I also pray for repentance and healing. That the Lord will bless and protect the country, that He will turn His face toward Ukraine and grant it peace.”

Koen: “We continue to pray for an end to the war. But even more, we pray that during the war many people will find their hope in God, by reading the Bible and discovering the plan that the Lord has for everyone, including Israel, so that Ukraine will prosper.”

Nataliya: “When you look at what is happening with your natural eyes, hope disappears. But we know the Author of history and the end of the Book of Books. ‘God, help us to keep the faith!’”

In Ukraine, we support various projects, including ‘Bring the Jews Home’ and ‘Food Parcels Ukraine’. Please help us to continue to support the Jewish communities in Ukraine!