Rand Jenkins, a member of Texas Baptist Men (TBM), arrived in Poland on March 2 on a mission to establish relief centers for Ukrainian refugees. Two more members will arrive as they partner with local churches in Poland.
Within twenty-four hours of arriving at the border of Ukraine and Poland, Jenkins, who is from Mansfield, helped around one hundred refugees fleeing from war and devastation. According to Fox 4, most refugees are women and children, as men ages eighteen to sixty years old stay back to defend their country.
“One of [the] things we’re seeing in these relief centers is, once they arrive, they have that look of I just don’t know what to do,” Jenkins said.
A TBM photographer captured video footage of refugees arriving at the centers. Leaving her sister and parents behind, one woman showed up alone. “My family didn’t want to go, and I made the choice to move,” she shared.
TBM joined a partnership with local churches and a Polish Baptist union. Jenkins mentioned that the people of Poland are working around the clock to aid in relief centers. The churches are acting as shelters.
In an interview with NBC DFW, Jenkins said, “There are numerous ways people have left Ukraine to flee to Poland for peace. Once they arrive in these shelters that we’re helping set up, they’re greeted with a warm drink, food, a shower, and a warm smile.”
The relief centers also have clothing on hand due to many citizens of Ukraine escaping war with what they can carry.
According to TBM’s website, they currently have at least four locations with relief centers up and running. One in Ukraine and Chelm, Lviv, Zelow, and Bialystok in Poland. Through donations for their mission, TBM is opening two more relief centers on the border of Ukraine and Poland.
According to the United Nations refugee agency, an estimated four million citizens of Ukraine will seek refuge.
Dr. Matthew Schmidt, an expert in international affairs, talked of the resilience Ukrainians possess. “For Ukraine, this war comes down to the willingness to fight. They’re getting amazing help from all across the EU [European Union] and from across the world, and I think they’ll work it out,” Schmidt said.
In a vote, the EU allows Ukrainians to obtain jobs in EU nations for up to three years.
TBM is a nonprofit organization that was established in 1967. They provide around-the-world help to those in need due to disasters.
The organization mentioned they are also helping children left in orphanages in Ukraine. Without donations to their cause, these measures and relief centers wouldn’t be possible.
TBM’s John Hall stated, “No administrative fees are taken out of that. It all goes to Ukraine. It’s going to be an expensive endeavor, and so I know North Texans, we’ve got a big heart. I know working together, we can accomplish a lot. Delivering help, hope, and healing in Ukraine.”
The donation page can be found here. To help TBM’s mission and Ukrainian refugees, click the option of “International Relief” to donate.
I am a retired pastor (35 years of service). I am a “young” 61 year-old, very active, healthy, able-bodied man. I would like to travel to Poland to work with you in helping the Ukrainian refugees . Will you please let me know how I can proceed with this new calling from God?
Thank You,
Rev. Dr. Jim Bowden