The Need

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, about 6 million Ukrainian refugees have been forced to flee their homes and livelihoods. Poland itself has received nearly 3 million of those refugees.

After much research into different Christian organizations ministering to Ukrainians during this war, I have decided to serve alongside Operation Mobilization in Poland this summer as they provide aid and gospel hope to refugees on the Polish-Ukrainian border.

OM Poland is in specific need of individuals who can speak and understand English, Ukrainian, and Russian as well as female volunteers since most of the refugees they serve are women and children. While OM Poland’s ministry plans and efforts must remain flexible due to the ever-changing circumstances of war, the team has assured me that this summer they will continue to serve in some way the many Ukrainian refugees that are now in Poland.

You can read more about OM Poland’s ministry at the border here: Serving Ukrainian Refugees with OM Poland

About Me

My name is Anna Skudarnova and my parents immigrated from Ukraine 26 years ago. Most of my relatives (grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.) still live in Ukraine. My family and I spent many summers of my childhood in Ukraine with our relatives (mostly in and around Kyiv). I can speak Russian fluently and I have a working understanding of Ukrainian. I understand the culture and love my Ukrainian heritage.

This May, I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in English and God has placed me in a unique season of life where I am able to dedicate an entire summer to serve Ukrainian refugees overseas.

Since the start of the war, my heart has been broken over the cruel headlines and personal stories I read daily. God has used my background as a child of immigrants from Ukraine to uniquely equip me to be able to serve Ukrainians, listen to their stories, and share the gospel with them during this dark time.

Trip Details

Dates: June 6th-July 25th

Costs: I am estimating that trip costs will total roughly $3,500. Funds raised will be used for:

Airline tickets
Transportation costs of train/public transport
Basic lodging & meals with OM Poland for 7 weeks
Smaller, miscellaneous needs (international phone plan, mandatory travel insurance etc.)

Any money raised that supersedes trip costs will be used to continue to help Ukrainian refugees (buying items for individuals I may meet, possibly bringing items from the U.S. that the team in Poland might need, or donating back to OM’s fund to help Ukraine).

Nearly every aspect of this trip (including the cost) is flexible and slightly unpredictable due to the ever-changing nature of war.

How You Can Help

Please PRAY for Russia to stop its war on Ukraine. Pray that innocent lives are spared so that many may accept the gospel and establish a personal relationship with Jesus Christ during this time. Pray that God would guide my steps as I plan this trip in just three weeks and that He would equip me to serve and love others this summer.
Please SHARE this fundraiser with someone you know who may be interested in reading my story, praying for me this summer, or giving to trip costs.
Please GIVE as you are able. I’m grateful in advance for your generosity and God’s faithfulness.

Note: Givebutter gives donors an option to cover processing fees for every donation given through this website. To avoid processing fees entirely and to ensure that I’m able to access funds ASAP, you can send me money directly through Zelle or Venmo.

Zelle: anna.sku.16@gmail.com

Venmo: @Anna-Skudarnova-2

*** selecting Venmo as your payment option on Givebutter will still not get rid of the processing fees. You can Venmo me directly through the Venmo app to avoid processing fees***

Help me Serve Ukrainian Refugees in Poland

By Anna Skudarnova

Help me Serve Ukrainian Refugees in Poland

This summer, I'm traveling to Poland for 7 weeks to serve Ukrainian refugees. I'll be able to use my language skills to share God's love with those in need.

Team Members