By converting churches into havens for the poor, CityServe is illuminating a beacon of comfort and hope in the midst of the war-torn Ukraine. This foundation, led by former first daughter Ivanka Trump, has already helped thousands of people affected by the violence.
Dave Donaldson, the CEO of CityServe, is leading an initiative to offer hope and light to Ukraine as the company works to install generators all around the country. He recently spoke with The Western Journal about this admirable attempt.
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Vladimir Putin deliberately destroyed Russia’s electricity grid during the chilly winter months. He began to use the cold and darkness as a tool, making the populace feel helpless in the face of their ruler.
“We literally have hundreds of generators that are now set up in churches that are literal lighthouses, and we’re trying to raise more money. It’s only $5,000 for a generator, and you think about that. In the midst of all the darkness and coldness, we can light up these churches and people like in Kherson are flocking to them,” he said.
Donaldson just set out on a journey to Kherson, which is a city in Eastern Ukraine and is only 15 miles from the Russian frontline. Although it was close to a conflict area, he described his experience as being particularly eye-opening and humble!
“I was there speaking at a church. This is a church we had lit up with our generators, a place of refuge. Literally you have people from all over that area flocking to that church because of the heat, the light, but also the hope,” he said. “But while I was speaking, the bombs were dropping outside.”
Donaldson disclosed that the president intervened to make sure people had access to essential generators in a crisis.
CityServe mobilized during the COVID-19 crisis and provided more over 17 million food boxes to needy families across America. This effort, which Ivanka Trump spearheaded when her father was president, gave families who were struggling financially as a result of the pandemic vital help.
Ivanka provided a million meals to war-affected refugees last year to demonstrate her charity and support for Ukraine. Donaldson applauded her for her generosity all around the world.
Three million meals have been packed by CityServe and Grand Canyon University students and will shortly be delivered across the nation. There are no boundaries when it comes to assisting those in need, as evidenced by this extraordinary act of compassion.
In order to personally interact with people who had been displaced from their homes due to the war, President Trump traveled to Poland in May. People of different ages and ethnicities were personally introduced to him, and he reaffirmed his commitment to guaranteeing their safety and security while they rebuilt their lives.
“Ivanka has been so generous. We hosted her in Krakow, Poland, not too far from the Czech Republic border. Her mom was raised there, a citizen of the Czech Republic. So it’s very close to her heart,” Donaldson said.
“She spent the whole day with these refugee families, just loving on them. And she asked me if she could go into Warsaw to be with the pastors. So she literally joined us for part of the pastors’ gathering,” he added. “She encouraged them, she inspired them. She listened to their stories.”
“She is a gracious woman. A woman filled with compassion,” Donald said. “We’re all inspired by her.”
Ivanka said at the time, “Over the past few days, I spent time with dozens of Ukrainian families who have sought refuge in Krakow and Warsaw, Poland.”
“Along with my friends and partners from CityServe, City of Destiny, Intercessors for Ukraine, and Compassion Services International, we heard incredible stories of strength and resilience. Thankful for the local and Ukrainian ministry leaders who have provided so much compassion and support to families suffering amid this crisis.”
By serving over 100,000 hot meals to refugees every day, CityServe is collaborating with local churches to convey joy and compassion. In addition, they are building a family trauma center in Kyiv as part of their aim to help people who have been psychologically harmed by war.
“America is great because of our compassion,” Donaldson said, “but Putin is counting on compassion fatigue — that after a year, we are no longer moved by the plight of these people. We’re no longer moved to pray and to generously give.”
