Helping Families Build Their Future

How our Seeds of Hope project helps families face poverty with strength and dignity and journey toward self-sufficiency.
Tanja Pretorius
24th August 2025
Father harvesting potatoes with a bucket, working alongside his children in the field.

Struggling to Provide in Times of Crisis

There was enough money for nappies and nothing else… My wife prayed the children wouldn't get sick. Roman

"It was terrible going through times when we didn't have money for medicine for the children. I hated seeing my wife crying, explaining to the children why other kids have toys and new clothes, and they don't."

Roman and his wife Iryna, parents of seven, live in poverty in western Ukraine. Hardworking and optimistic, they tried expanding their farm in 2018, but the pandemic and later the war shattered their plans. Inflation soared, income dried up, and survival became an uphill battle. Despite their exhaustion, Roman and Iryna remain determined. "My children look to me and follow my example… I believe that my main obligation and calling is to raise my children well."

Support that Brings Relief and Restores Dignity

When the Trofymchuk family was enrolled in Mission Without Borders' family sponsorship programme, they finally found much-needed support. Monthly parcels of food and hygiene items eased their burden, while spiritual and emotional encouragement lifted their spirits. Seasonal help—firewood, warm clothing, and seeds for planting—gave them tools to endure and move forward.

Father steering a horse-drawn cart while his children ride along.

Olexandr, the staff member supporting the family, explained, "The war greatly affected people's purchasing power… prices for equipment, parts, feed, fuel, and everything else have risen sharply and continue to rise. The uncertainty and chronic stress of war weigh heavily on everyone."

With MWB's help, Roman found renewed hope. "MWB's support made me sure that God will oversee our future. We'll need to work harder, but we won't be alone in this journey."

From Survival to Hope: You Can Help

Mission Without Borders helps families not only survive today but also build toward self-sufficiency. Alongside monthly support for essentials, projects like Seeds of Hope provide families with seeds and tools to grow their own food, sell produce, and take pride in providing for their children.

As one Ukrainian mother said, "At this time, no one in Ukraine is sure what tomorrow will bring. We ask you to keep praying for us. You do a lot for us, and we will never forget it."

Mother wearing a headscarf and gloves loads pumpkins onto a wagon in a field, with her children helping.

Every seed you provide grows into more than food—it becomes a harvest of hope. With your support, families like Roman and Iryna’s can provide for their children with dignity and take steps toward self-sufficiency. Will you help them?