Finding hope in tines of war

28 August 2022

Lieutenant Anastasia Pomytkina fled Ukraine with her daughter, Ariana, and is now serving refugees in Moldova. 

At the very beginning of the war, after nights in a dusty and damp bomb shelter, I realised that I would not survive with my asthma. I became worried for my little daughter and for the baby to whom I must still give birth. God said, ‘Run!’ That is how I became a refugee, leaving my husband Dima, who stayed to help people in Kyiv Mayak Salvos, and my dog, Daisy. 

I managed to get to Moldova, to my native Salvation Army. It took a few days for me to recover, and so too for my daughter Ariana.

Sitting back and lamenting is not for me in any situation. Ministering to my compatriots from Ukraine who have fled the horror of the warzone gives me great joy.

I experienced fear. I was cut off from my precious people. I left my home. Every morning for me was uncertain. What’s next? How long will it last? When will I return to Ukraine? Will I find what I left behind? Will I meet those whom I last saw a few months ago? 

I see the same questions and the pressure of uncertainty in the eyes of my compatriots. I know how they feel, and that is why I am here on this side. I meet them, hug them, and say there is always hope: We will return and restore our country with God’s help. – Anastasia Pomytkina

Lieutenant Anastasia Pomytkina is a Salvation Army officer (pastor) for the Mayak Salvos, Kyiv, Ukraine.