“Let Ukraine Grow Again”

By Sarah Sherman

Rebekah Sherman, a junior at Western New England University, has created her art piece, “Let Ukraine Grow Again,” with its coinciding poem of the same title to spread awareness and funds for Ukraine. Her picture consists of a blue and yellow flower with the face of a smiling young girl at its center, accompanied by green and brown text depicting the words, “Let Ukraine Grow Again.” The blue and yellow colors are a deliberate choice for Miss Sherman to represent the Ukrainian flag.

On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine in such a way that furthered the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War, which started in 2014. Since then, there have been tens of thousands of casualties on both Russian and Ukrainian sides. It is considered to be the largest refugee crisis in Europe since World War II, with many people fleeing Ukraine in hopes of finding a safer future. The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine has been ongoing since its start date.

Rebekah Sherman urges people to “please join with me in my prayer for Ukraine to rise above the darkness, persevering and gaining new strength.”

When Miss Sherman first heard the news of the war in Ukraine, her heart was broken, and she decided to do something to aid Ukraine. She heard the story of a Massachusetts South Shore artist who was selling his art at ten dollars each to raise money for Ukraine. As an artist herself, she was inspired by his artwork and decided to create her own.

She was also inspired by the Franciscan Friar Missionaries (affiliated with Franciscan Missions) in Ukraine. The Friars stood in front of Ukrainian villagers, who had lined up in front of their village when the Russian tanks came to destroy it. Their courage prevented the Russian soldiers from destroying the village and inspired Rebekah Sherman in her art. She says, “I was inspired by the Friars because they were willing to boldly sacrifice their lives for people in need.” She reasoned that “if they [the friars] could stand up against the Russian tanks, then I could persevere despite my own challenges in life, including facing the possible risk of rejection of my artwork and efforts to aid Ukraine.”

After Miss Sherman completed her artwork, she decided to pursue her mission and contacted two organizations, Samaritan’s Purse and the Franciscan Missions, to see if they would like to use her art in some way. Samaritan’s Purse is a charity that has provided aid globally since 1970 to victims of war, poverty, disease, famine, and natural disasters. Specifically, in Ukraine, Samaritan’s Purse has provided medical care (served about 23,000 patients), clean water (about 11 million gallons), food (about 135 million pounds distributed), and shelter materials to Ukraine. The Franciscan Missions provides global financial support to those in need. They finance orphanages, medical clinics, soup kitchens, etc. The St. Michael the Archangel Franciscan Province in Ukraine has 16 friaries, 65 friars, and 54 parishes supporting and protecting Ukrainians.

The Franciscan Missions told Miss Sherman that the sister who received her picture was so touched by it that she cried, hung it up in her office where it was put on display for all to see, and said it “made her day.” They also thanked Miss Sherman for her financial support, as she has donated approximately $200 to help Ukraine, and they even gave her two free containers of honey to show their heartfelt appreciation. She has donated to Samaritan’s Purse as well.

In addition, she decided to contact Ann Cox, the Children’s Ministry Director at a baptist

church, to see if she would be interested in using her art. Ann Cox was excited to use her picture and said, “it would be a great way for the children to learn about Ukraine” at a level they could understand without it being too graphic for them. She also said she would use the black and white versions of the picture for the children to color.

Rebekah Sherman also decided to contact Massachusetts State Representative Angelo J.Puppolo JR., ESQ., to ask for his support. His secretary, Cheri Spinks, got back to her and told her that “Senator Puppolo wanted to let you [Rebekah] know that he planned to help out.” In addition, Representative Puppolo told Miss Sherman, “Congratulations again on this project [Rebekah Sherman’s art piece], and your continued academic excellence. I enjoy recognizing your achievements at WNEU especially since I am an Alum at the law school. Keep up the great work.” Representative Puppolo also asked Miss Sherman if there was a place where he could send a donation, and she directed him toward the Franciscan Missions.

Rebekah Sherman is still currently trying to spread awareness and financial support for Ukraine through her art. If you or anyone you know would like to support Rebekah’s art, she can be contacted at her Western New England email at [email protected]. To support Ukraine, you can also donate to organizations like the Franciscan Missions, P.O. Box 130, Waterford, W.I. 53185.

Here is the poem that goes along with Rebekah Sherman’s picture, “Let Ukraine Grow Again.”

“Let Ukraine Grow Again”

Let my people go,

Was a cry heard from long ago,

To free lives from chains and

Unspeakable woes.

If you have ears to hear the

Cries of the lives taken past and present,

Please hear my cry:

Let Ukraine grow!

We cannot change the past,

But today we can choose to