Ukrainian Families Enduring Years of War by Caroline Grube
- Nancy Jernigan
- May 13
- 2 min read
In 2001, Zhanna Segeda and a small group of ladies in the military or spouses of military, founded the first Military Christian Women’s Club…Club Ruth. In 2002, Olive Branch supported the first English camp for teens from military families. In 2017, four American women spoke to civilian and military women about PTSD at the National Defense University of Ukraine. In 2022, OBI created Global Family Support, a special program to meet the unique needs of its military families during wartime.
In 2026, the ladies at the National Defense University created the newest club, "Sisters." Each club is unique…in name, in needs in the community, and in the talents of the members. But they are all SISTERS IN CHRIST.
Countless families have been impacted by these Family Support programs since 2001. Women have found fellowship with others with similar struggles and, more importantly, have grown in their faith in Jesus Christ. Teens have improved their English skills and heard the Good News of Jesus Christ from Americans and from other Ukrainians. Leaders have asked us probing questions about the support our military families receive.
The summer of 2026 is the fourth summer since the war began, and these events are needed more than ever before. Your support Is needed more than ever.
June 8-13, the 50 leaders from nearly 20 military Christian women’s clubs will gather in the Carpathian Mountains. They will have training sessions, will share ministry ideas, and encourage each other, as well as experience much-needed respite from the war. Many come from cities under constant attack…such as Svetlana from Kherson. She and several ladies in the club traveled 2 days last summer to attend the training retreat. Support is funded through Global Family Support. Donations should be designated for GLOBAL FAMILY SUPPORT.
July 8-13, English Camp will be held outside Kyiv. Although OBI does not currently send a team from the States to serve as teachers of English and Bible, English speakers who live in Ukraine or are willing to travel on their own will serve with Valentyn and his team. OBI will fund the camp. Donations should be designated for ENGLISH CAMP.
Please prayerfully consider a donation for either or both of these events. Help us support Ukrainian military families. Both are ministries that are making a difference in lives today and in the future of Ukraine.
Sincerely,
Caroline Grube, Board Member
Family Support Director
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