LEXINGTON, Ky. — Many communities in Kentucky are continuing to show their support to Ukrainian people during the Russian invasion that sparked a war.
Christian Mission Ebenezer (CME) is planning to ship donated goods they’ve collected from the Lexington community to Ukrainian refugees in Poland.
Alex Chubaruk is a father of six children and a husband to his wife Larisa Chubaruk. In 1999, the Chubaruk’s journey from Sosnivka, Ukraine to Lexington started when Alex’s grandfather founded Christian Mission Ebenezer (CME). The Chubaruk’s practically grew up with a Ukrainian bible in their hand from birth.
“The scripture that I live by is in Proverbs 3:5, trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding,” said Chubaruk.
There isn’t a day that goes by that Chubaruk doesn’t read from an English-Ukrainian parallel bible, one he says his community urged him to sell at the CME bookstore. The bibles and books are all a part of CME which is affiliated with the Ukrainian Pentecostal Church in Nicholasville. Currently, CME has 30 missionaries in Ukraine and that’s why as its president, Chubaruk is donating 100% of their book profits to his home country of Ukraine.
“They have nothing. They left everything they could pack with them. That’s all they could do. So today is such a big need. These people need something. They need clothing, they need a place to stay, they need food to stay alive,” said Chubaruk.
Chubaruk says many of his missionaries’ facilities have turned into sleeping and hiding places. One of those is an area where Chubaruk’s uncle is, because of that, his location is not disclosed.
“We wanted him to leave and our uncle is a Bishop and he’s like I can’t leave my flock, someone has to stay here,” said Chubaruk.
The United Nations reports nearly 4 million Ukrainian people are expected to flee their home country and resettle in various other countries, including Poland and the United States of America. That’s why the father of six called on the Lexington community to donate items to refugees.
Diapers, rice, and other non-perishables are being unloaded by CME volunteers. It’s being placed in Helen, Andrey Yadlovskiy’s family garage in Nicholasville, ready to be shipped to Ukrainian refugees in Poland.
“We see all these people just opening up their hearts and we are glad to open our hearts too,” said Helen Yadlovskiy
“At the end of this war, I’m hoping that there is a country to say this is where my parents came from,” said Chubaruk.
Chubaruk is hoping the Ukraine he knows and loves won’t be erased for the next generation. CME says they are hoping to send off donations as soon as possible. If you would like to donate items, accepted items are listed here. Donations can all be dropped off at 4371 Old Harrodsburg Rd, Suite 120 in Lexington.