Every morning, Oklahoma residents Olena Nesin and her husband, Vasyl, anxiously check for messages from family and friends in their native homeland of Ukraine.

Although Oklahoma has been home to the couple and their daughter, Yulia, for many years, they share in the suffering of the Ukrainian people under the Russian military aggression which began six months ago.

As many of their family and friends remain in Ukraine, the Nesins and other members of St. Mary Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Jones and Sooner Hope for Ukraine have been instrumental in fundraising efforts, securing humanitarian aid to the country. As the threat to freedom continues in Ukraine, Kingfisher Ministerial Alliance is stepping up to provide an opportunity for local residents to help as well, Brian Walter said.

An overwhelming theme in Jesus’ teaching, Walter said, is to love one another and help each other in times of need.

Partnering with members of the St. Mary Ukrainian Orthodox Church, a “Painting for Peace” fundraising event will be held from 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 9, at the First United Methodist Church of Kingfisher.

At the event, Ukrainian native and Oklahoma resident Lyuda Cameron will work with participants to paint sunfl owers, a symbol of solidarity with Ukraine.

As the national flower of Ukraine, the sunflower has become a prominent symbol of peace and support for the resistance effort against the Russian assault on the country’s sovereignty.

In addition to the painting event, Walter said the ministerial alliance is also accepting donations to help purchase Army surplus sleeping bags for those fighting on the front lines as well as financial support for women and children displaced by the war and other needs in Ukraine. (See ad on Page 2.)

Nesin’s parents, brother and other family currently are situated outside the combat zone in Ukraine, but daily hear the air raid sirens and observe missiles flying overhead during aerial assaults, Nesin said.

Experiencing more immediate effects of the war, Cameron’s sister lives near the nuclear power plant captured by Russian forces and has had to evacuate because of the danger, Cameron said.

“It is very scary,” she said. “Every day there is bombing and shelling with no safe place.”

The assaults often begin at night and not many people stay in the city during that time, she said.

“A lot of people just leave their houses and go to sleep in the open fields,” Cameron said. “It is hard to tell if they even sleep, probably just waiting for the morning when the bombarding stops.”

Other concerns are medicinal supplies, food and basic gear for the soldiers.

Along with other volunteers, Nesin and Cameron have been involved in various fundraising efforts such as bake sales, sunflower painting parties and other events, as well as organizing and attending a rally of support for Ukraine at the Oklahoma State Capitol.

As many needed supplies are shipped on a regular basis to Ukraine, Cameron said the volunteers are happy to see results, “especially if it may save somebody’s life, as we achieve victory.”

The world is not as big as it sometimes seems, Walter said, and people everywhere are bound together as God’s children.

“A threat to freedom anywhere is a threat to freedom everywhere,” he added.

As Cameron communicates daily with her family and friends, she said she wants to give them hope, support and positive vibes.

“They are so afraid that America may forget about them,” Cameron said.

The people of Ukraine are suffering and there’s an opportunity to let them know they are loved, Walter said.

“We truly appreciate any help.” Nesin said. “Little by little, it’s everybody helping everybody.

“Every drop in the ocean counts.”