Further north, on the banks of the Dnipro River south of Kyiv, lies Hrebeni, a small riverside settlement and host to one of our newest projects.

Like many villages in this part of Ukraine, Hrebeni lives in the shadow of war and in the grip of a harsh winter. This year the situation is particularly severe: local authorities have advised residents to drain their hot-water heating systems because there is little prospect of hot water being supplied and a very real risk that pipes will freeze and burst.

With the support of DHM’s Winter Appeal, the church building now acts as a community hub, opening its doors several times a week to offer warmth, shelter and hot food. The focus is firmly on the poorest and most vulnerable members of the community and the wider neighbourhood – those least able to cope with long hours in unheated homes.

Thanks to the generosity of DHM supporters, the church was able to obtain a generator before the worst of the winter set in. The photo from the project shows Vladimir, who heads up the team, standing beside this vital generator, which works alongside wood burners and other simple heating systems to help keep the place warm.

With the warmth and the support of stalwart members of the community, the church was able to hold several meals and festivities over Christmas and New Year for those without light and heating, providing hot food. And of course, festive goodies for local children. A big part of the team’s mission is to ensure that, whatever else they face, the youngest members of the community remain hopeful and know that they are cherished.

As winter continues, so does our Winter Appeal, Operation Warm Embrace. Your generosity is helping to ensure that there is light, warmth and hope in the harshest months of the year.