Ukraine MB Church Relief Fund: Three Years of Impact
In February 2022, MB Foundation established the Ukraine MB Church Relief Fund to provide emergency relief and refugee assistance to the Association of MB Churches in Ukraine (AMBCU).
The funds were able to meet urgent needs quickly, supporting Mennonite Brethren brothers and sisters in Ukraine. Although separated by many miles, a relationship developed between Jon C. Wiebe, President and CEO of MB Foundation, and church leadership in Ukraine during a 2019 mission trip. Wiebe’s interest in Ukraine—the birthplace of the Mennonite Brethren—was rooted in his family’s heritage. His connection deepened during a second mission trip in 2020.
As the needs of the Ukrainian MB churches grew, so did the support. Wiebe received regular updates on the conditions Ukrainian MB churches were facing, the needs they had, and how the relief funds were being used.
The Relief Fund has enabled AMBCU to purchase vehicles, fuel, food, and medical supplies. It has also helped churches and relief centers care for and support refugees. Beyond tangible resources, the donations brought encouragement and a deep sense of support from MB churches and individuals in the United States to those enduring the crisis in Ukraine.
“We praise the Lord for the generosity of His people. We know the funds have helped provide resources and encouragement to our churches during these three years,” said Jon C. Wiebe, President and CEO of MB Foundation. “It’s inspiring to hear how the support has not only helped them survive, but also grow.”
Recently, Wiebe received a report from AMBCU detailing the resilience and faithfulness of Mennonite Brethren believers. Despite being displaced, they have continued to serve, comfort others, and share the gospel—now even planting new churches in new locations. The report from AMBCU, along with a video, serves as an expression of gratefulness from the Ukrainian Mennonite Brethren to those in the United States.
AMBCU continues its mission to serve the people of Ukraine.