Calvary Community Church first heard about sponsoring Ukrainian refugees through two former youth members. They’d married, moved away, and returned to Calvary after meeting Ukrainian refugees at a church in New York. Through United for Ukraine, a government-issued program, Ukrainians can live in the US for up to two years, but only if they have a US sponsor. Thus, a Ukrainian ministry was born at Calvary.
Pastor Clayton Tinervin, who has been with the church since 2006, saw the opportunity to serve. “We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus,” he says. “This is a way that we can very tangibly help.” Many volunteers from Calvary stepped up to offer support when the refugees arrived. Families need transportation, connection with an English instructor, jobs, housing, etc.
Other churches are providing aid and support as well. One church opened its empty parsonage for temporary housing. Pastor Clayton says there is an incredible sense of unity amongst this community of churches working together.
So far, six families have been sponsored in Washington, Illinois (16 individuals total). Many attend Calvary on Sundays and are thankful for a family of believers. Pastor Clayton sees how they inspire the rest of the congregation. One Ukrainian woman who had been working on her English approached Clayton and said for the first time in his language, “I also worship the God of truth.”
With the Illinois government suddenly withholding its benefits from Ukrainian refugees in 2024, extra support had to be raised from within the church to meet needs. Pastor Clayton says God never let those funds run out. “It’s like we keep passing around bowls of bread and fish, and we never run out.” Calvary plans to continue sponsoring more Ukrainian families in the coming year.
