SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — A church in Sioux Falls is once again stepping up to help people suffering from the war in Ukraine. After raising almost 150 thousand dollars in earlier efforts, Westminster Presbyterian Church is joining forces with a longtime Ukrainian partner to support wounded soldiers still fighting on the front lines.

Jamie Smith to make announcement Saturday

For 15 years, the Ukrainian Church of Sioux Falls shared its home with Westminster Presbyterian. A bond built between congregations — one rooted in faith, friendship, and a shared sense of mission.

“Their prayers are deep, their tears are deep, their spirit is authentic
said Valerie Putnam, a retired pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church who is helping organize the fundraiser.

When Russia invaded Ukraine, that bond turned into action and a fundraiser to provide aid to families who had lost their primary breadwinners to the war.

“The Ukrainian members all took all of their jewelry, their gold, and everything and sold it, and collected everything they could, but the congregation they helped take it on,” said Putnam.

The two churches reached out to the community, raising 140 thousand dollars,
Now, they are ready to help again, this time to support a new relief center for wounded soldiers. As government resources stretch thin, churches in Ukraine have stepped up to fill in the gaps. Jim Holbeck, a church member, went to Ukraine to see the project for himself.

“The church here in Sioux Falls is working with building a center for these soldiers to be able to come to, and their families to come to, and to work through all of the problems from their physical ailments, also to the mental ailments,” Holbeck.

The new campaign hopes to raise enough money to fund medical supplies, rehabilitation services, and emotional support for soldiers returning from the front lines.
Holbeck, a former school superintendent and church member, says seeing and talking with Ukrainians himself was life-changing.

“I’d say, what would you like to say to the American people if you could. The most common answer that came back was, Don’t forget us, please keep supporting us. It’s not just whether you send weapons, it’s be on our side and support us for all we are going through,” said Holbeck.

As they fight for their freedom, much like Americans did almost 250 years ago.

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