Baptist churches helped support almost half a million Ukrainians last Winter thanks to a special appeal.
The European Baptist Federation (EBF) said there had been an “extraordinary response” to its ‘Hope Heats Ukraine’ appeal from Baptist unions, churches, organisations, and individual supporters across Europe and beyond.
The appeal raised €800,000 (£683,000) and helped Ukrainian Baptist churches and other Christian organisations support around 480,000 people during a bitterly cold winter. The winters of Ukraine can average a daily temperature of less than -5°C, whilst the coldest days can drop down to -30°C. Churches became places of refuge where people could find warmth, charge phones, access hot drinks, receive practical support, and connect with others, as attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure continued.
The appeal, which began in November 2025, helped more than 400 churches and Christian establishments serve their local communities.
One family mentioned that the power could sometimes be out for 19 hours a day, and the church became a powerful, practical, alternative: “After school, we would come here - drink warm tea, warm up, do our homework, and charge lamps, phones, and batteries”.
Bible studies and pastoral care ministries were also provided. Beyond financial support, the campaign has also built meaningful relationships across borders. Eighty-five Ukrainian churches were paired with supporting churches and individuals committed to praying for them and standing with them in solidarity.
Iryna, fled her home in the east of Ukraine with her children when the full-scale invasion began. She arrived in Poltava as an internally displaced citizen and found support, community and encouragement through a local Baptist church. She said: “We came to the church for our daily bread, and we also found spiritual bread. We were accepted as family”.
Iryna later lost her husband in the conflict and found comfort through church-run support groups. She now continues helping others who have experienced similar loss.
The EBF said the project was an “opportunity to demonstrate God's love in practical ways and strengthen communities fractured by war”. Thanking everyone who contributed financially and prayerfully, it added, “Together, we have not only provided warmth through another winter – we have helped sustain hope”.