By Sarah Putman
March 4, 2022
It was rather a given that in light of the attacks and horrific events happening in our neighboring country, we as a church community would respond in whatever ways we could. It started with prayer long before people even began leaving the country. As the Lord has blessed us with a space to shelter folks and to be found by those who are seeking refuge, we have started using the Meeting Point community campus in Cluj as a transit sheltering space.
Over the last week we have over ten families and over 40 refugees enter into our space. Some have come only for a night on their way elsewhere in Europe to stay with friends. Others have expressed that they do not have a plan of where to go. This is where the second portion of our planning comes into play. We gathered the expressions of willingness to help into a database of those who have shelter to offer and those who have donations. From this information we will begin to pair families who would like to stay longer term with families from the area willing to house refugees. As many families are fleeing without the father figure of the family, this process allows for them to find a place to stay with confidence of credibility, get to know us, and then move into a longer term solution. It allows for them to feel as safe as possible through the process.
In addition to sheltering, we are trying to meet as many needs as they arrive with as we possibly can. In partnership with local restaurants we have added lunch and dinner offerings for these families as well as any emotional support we can provide. Each family’s needs are as individual as the members of the family so we are ready to be creative and meet whatever needs may arise.
Oksana, the mother of a young child, was quoted saying “God has brought us to a place where they have provided us with free housing and food, but most importantly, they have supported us, given us a shoulder, said many good words, and responded to every request for help. I will never forget how Romania accepts and takes care of us.”
We know that the needs will continue to shift and change as new families come to join us over the coming days and weeks, but we are ready to lean into the Spirit and provide where we can, connect to other support where needed, and work together to be a space of refuge, safety, and healing.
Julia and Alliona
Two mothers (pictured below with some of our team) who arrived at our campus with their children last week are now planning to shelter long-term at the campus to partner with us in helping other Ukrainians get connected with us. Through their connections we will be able to receive other Ukrainian refugees who are looking for shelter through means of connection, safety, and trust. We are thankful that they are partnering alongside us to continue to meet the needs of their neighbors. Prayers for them as they continue to minister to other refugees while navigating their own thoughts, feelings, and circumstances.
Sarah Putman is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor from Cincinnati serving as a full time missionary affiliate of New International alongside United Methodist churches and their partnering non-profits in Romania.
Many have asked how to financially get involved in the work that is happening with Ukrainian refugees who have fled to Romania for safety. Our friends in Romania are partnering with World Methodist Evangelism to help target these specific funds. If you would like to give to the efforts happening here in Romania, visit the donation section of worldmethodist.org and write “help for refugees in Ukraine” in the comment section. These funds will then be sent to the Romanian churches whose ministry is described in the article.