Tag: Pregnancy Care Ministry

svitlana story of unwanted pregnancy and redemption through Jesus Christ. Mission to Ukraine

From Hopeless Mother to Bold Disciple of Christ: Svitlana’s Story

Written by Katie Gheen on September 20, 2024. Posted in Pregnancy Care.

Svitlana Tells Her Story: “Living in the quiet village of Hlynivets, I faced a surprising third pregnancy. My husband was unwilling to support me and pushed me into having an abortion. I was left feeling isolated and overwhelmed, with no one to confide in or lean on. I remember the day I stumbled upon an ad for Mission to Ukraine. It caught my eye with its promise of “Free help for unwanted pregnancies.” When I called, Olena answered and, though I was hurting and closed off, she spoke with compassion and understanding. In that moment, MTU became my lifeline. They provided more...

What is it Like to Be a Woman in Ukraine?

Written by Katie Gheen on July 2, 2024. Posted in Humanitarian Aid, Pregnancy Care.

In a war-torn landscape and the various current events, many of us have questions about what is happening in Ukraine. You may wonder, what is it like to be a woman there? The daily reality for many women is one of unyielding resilience and hope, but that does not negate the difficulty and terror that comes with war. The ongoing conflict has brought unimaginable hardship, yet amidst the chaos, the strength and determination of Ukrainian women is evident. Through their stories, we gain a glimpse into what it means to be a woman in Ukraine today—facing adversity with courage, and embracing...

War is Ugly … But God is Good

Written by Katie Gheen on February 13, 2024. Posted in Pregnancy Care.

War. What we see on the news is usually a 30 second video clip, a politician making promises, and then the latest prediction on whether or not Taylor Swift is going to be at the Super Bowl to cheer on the Kansas City Chiefs. But it’s not quite that simple. The reality of war is much more complicated than that. Raw reality is restless days and fear-filled nights. Especially when that war is in your own country … and when it rips at your very safety … and against your family’s very life. My name is Lidia. I am the mother of two children – Konstantin and Evelina....

“She Chose Life!”

Written by Katie Gheen on November 28, 2023. Posted in Pregnancy Care.

Abortion is still legal in Ukraine up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. And Olga was convinced that was her only option. After all, she already had 4 children. Along with her husband, that would be 7 people living in a little one-room house. (Olga, her husband, 4 children, and a new baby). Rather than make the decision without considering all her options, Olga went in for a visit with one of the volunteers at Mission to Ukraine. It was there that she learned she could have the emotional, spiritual, and “practical” support she would need to carry the child to term – as well as have whatever...

Vera and her baby in front of their house in Ukraine during the war after being helped with Mission to Ukraine.

What would you say to Vera?

Written by Katie Gheen on October 13, 2023. Posted in Pregnancy Care.

No young woman grows up hoping to be an unwed mother, let alone be abandoned by the father of her unborn child the moment she finds out she’s pregnant. Nobody. Certainly not Vera, who came to us at Mission to Ukraine seeking help. Our first response is always the same when someone comes into our center. We listen. No judgment. No pointing fingers. No lectures. We simply listen. And silently, we pray. And as we listened to Vera, this is what we heard … Pain. Abandonment. Fear. Shame. And very little “hope” for the future. Let me stop right here and ask you how you...

Halyna is going through pregancy and standing with her husband and four kids during the war in Ukraine.

Joy in the Storm: Halyna’s Story

Written by Katie Gheen on October 13, 2023. Posted in Pregnancy Care.

Mission to Ukraine provided hope to Halyna and her husband when found themselves in a very challenging situation due to the war when she became pregnant with their fourth child. With Ukraine at war – and her husband now facing unstable employment – life was exceedingly tough. It was then that her gynecologist recommended reaching out to Mission to Ukraine, where she was assured of comprehensive support; both practically and spiritually. Though not accustomed to asking for help, they had no other choice. Their financial struggles were compounded by the high...

Ivanka, pregnant, hugging a Mission to Ukraine counselor during the war.

Help and Hope – Ivanka’s Story

Written by steve.boles on June 30, 2023. Posted in Pregnancy Care.

My name is Ivanka. I am 16 years old and pregnant with my second baby. Unfortunately, I am not married, but I have a boyfriend who is 21 years old. He is the father of both of my children. I am studying to become a cook-confectioner. Because of the war, it is very difficult to find a job to provide for our family. But we are trying … because we want what is best for our children. It is certainly not easy for us, but thanks to the help from Mission to Ukraine, we can be sure that our children will have food, medicines, and even clothes. This is a very strong support. We have never met such...