Esther’s Story

March 11, 2022

The Russian attacks on Ukraine continue. Many families have been forced to leave, and many have had to leave their loved ones behind, causing families to be separated. Many are fleeing to neighboring countries, while others are unable to leave. Men, husbands, and fathers must remain in the country and have had to watch their entire families walk away.

Seventeen-year-old Esther* had been away at a music camp when Russia invaded Ukraine. She was in another city and completely separated from her family. Her mother, father, and three sisters were back home and quickly realized the urgency of the situation. Esther’s mother had to leave their home with her three sisters and head to Poland, leaving her father behind to fight for his country. Esther was all alone. 

The roads between Esther’s hometown and the music camp were destroyed, but her grandfather managed to make it to her and get her back to their hometown. They knew of a group leaving Ukraine for Poland and wanted to get her to the group before they left. So, a few days later, Esther walked the long distance to another city. However, road signs had been removed to confuse the enemy and she became very lost. 

Ester finally made it to the city and met up with another group heading to Poland, led by her pastor. The journey to the border was long and dangerous. They walked for hours upon hours until they finally made it to the Poland border. Despite the dangerous and desperate situation Esther and the group found themselves in, they continued to worship and play Christian music along their journey. Esther’s faith did not falter during these difficult days.

Esther was finally reunited with her mother and three sisters after making it to the refugee camp in Poland. While these women praise God for allowing them to safely make it out of Ukraine, their thoughts and prayers are with Esther’s father defending their hometown. Shortly after making it to safety, Esther and her mother received word that their hometown was being bombed at the city’s checkpoint. They continue to pray for those defending their homeland.

Esther’s story is just one of many. Over 2 million refugees have fled to neighboring countries. Please continue to pray for the refugees, those receiving them, and those who remain in Ukraine.

If you would like to be a part of IDES Ukraine Relief Efforts, you can join IDES prayer initiative or donate by clicking the link below.

*Name changed for security reasons