Colorado Springs Church helping Ukrainians flee war zones

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., (KRDO) -- A Colorado Springs church is helping Ukrainians trying to escape as Russia continues to invade their country.

Ascent Church, on Flintridge Dr. and North Academy Blvd., has partners all over the world, including in Germany. Now, the church is using its partners in Germany to drop off supplies in Ukraine.

"We are sending funds to our partners in Germany and these are literally pastors and church members and they are driving across Germany through Poland into Ukraine bringing supplies, food, medicine as they empty those vehicles they are filling those vehicles with Ukrainian people who are fleeing the war zones," said Pastor Bob Cheney at Ascent Church.

As of Monday, the U.N. estimates more than 2.8 million people have escaped the war. However, many are still making their way to safety.

Ascent Church is providing those still in the country with necessities like shelter, food, and medicine, but overall an opportunity to be safe.

A pastor with the church told KRDO while their partners in Germany are helping people, he acknowledged they're also risking their own lives.

"There was a gentleman from one of our partners that was shot and was taken to the hospital," explained Pastor Cheney. "They really are putting themselves in harm's way."

Cheney said the church's state pastor, Pastor Steve Rennick, noticed a cry for help after seeing a Facebook post from a Ukrainian pastor just days after the Russian invasion.

Rennick then authorized international wire funds to a bank in Germany where church colleagues could get those funds and help with asylum efforts.

"100% of what is coming in is going to Ukraine, the response has been super generous," said Pastor Cheney.

Donations are being made by church members across the state.

If you would like to donate, head on over to their website.