DE PERE (NBC 26) — As the war in Ukraine continues, people part of Journey Community Church in De Pere are turning to their faith and lifting up a Ukrainian couple who are part of their congregation in prayer.
"So my wife's side of the family, they're still living in Ukraine for the most part,” said Andrey Banyuk.
Andrey and his wife Tania were born in Ukraine and say a moment doesn't go by without them wondering if their loved ones are going to survive.
"Everyday my father will send us a video saying we are alive and we are waiting for aid,” said Tania Banyuk.
Some members of the church taking part of this prayer service said they were moved by the stories this couple shared.
"Hearing people speak about their family in Ukraine is a really powerful thing. It's not just a story that you see on tv, but it's real people in our community,” said Brandon Roberts, a member of the church.
"All of a sudden it just doesn't become somewhere around the world, it becomes personal. This is their family. Their family is still there. We care. We care for them and their families,” said Mark Schmechel, Journey Community Church pastor.
Donations are also being collected with money going towards Ukraine relief through Journey's partnership with Converge International. The church's Missions Team will match up to $5,000 of the donations.
To donate scan the QR code below or click here.
"For us and for me the worse thing is that I'm here and I can do nothing but pray,” Tania said.
Tania and Andrey are continuing to pray for peace and for the safety of their families.
