Faith and courage by candlelight in the face of war
Faith and courage by candlelight in the face of war
Despite the destruction of 40 per cent of power supply infrastructure in their city, Kropyvnytskyi Corps Salvationists continue their ministry and regular meetings.
“You can shut off the lights in the whole country, but you cannot shut off our prayers to the Lord.”
“The power of faith is always able to overcome darkness.”
“The war has broken into the childhoods of Ukrainian children … we will continue to minister, even if only one child comes.”
“In between air raid sirens, we fundraise with the red kettles.”
These are the words of officers from different corps throughout Ukraine as they continue to serve their congregations and communities in the face of war – ongoing missile and drone attacks, cuts to electricity, heating and water, the first snows of winter, and the uncertainty of what will happen next.
The faith and courage of these officers and their soldiers, volunteers and communities is inspiring.
In Lviv, Captain Galina Nica and volunteers continue to register community members to receive non-perishable food items. “All day today, we had no light, no lunch and no heat, but it does not stop us,” she says.
Captain Galina (wearing the headlight) and volunteers help ensure the local community has food.
The Lviv Corps also continues to support the vulnerable in the city and those fleeing heavy bombardment in the country’s east. During the war, many families have lost their jobs and homes, have been displaced, and struggle with no income.
Helping families with young children is another focus area for the corps. They provide essential hygiene products for babies, fragrant shampoos, nappies and wipes. “The goal is to comfort both babies and parents through good care, to keep the children healthy, and to support the little ones’ childhood, despite the war,” Captain Galina says.
In Pesochin, Captain Svetlana Bochkareva also runs various programs, including those for children. “The loss of relatives, homes, and the now-mutilated streets, which until recently were beautiful and filled with smiling, happy adults and children – this is all a great emotional burden for the children’s psyche,” she says. “We minister to children and adults practically and spiritually, regardless of how many visitors open our doors.”
In Kropyvnytskyi, Captains Daria Bessmolnaya and Dmitry Bessmolniy and Captains Daniel and Valeria Lukin serve a busy corps including weekly Sunday meetings and Sunday school, regular Bible studies, prayer, a women’s group, craft and dance.
The Kropyvnytskyi Corps youth group meets regularly and doesn’t let the lack of electricity or heating impact their conversations and activities.
The community outreach includes food, clothing, school supplies and an active Scouts program.
Youth is also an important focus for the corps, with regular meetings for prayer and worship, teaching, prayer and socialising.
“The lack of electricity does not prevent us from having interesting youth gatherings and soulful conversations,” the officers agreed.
The Mayak Corps in Kiev also focuses on youth. “Their faith and their service provide an example that the power of faith is always able to overcome darkness and universal evil,” said Corps Officers Lieutenants Anastasiia Pomytkina and Dmytri Pomytkin. “If God is for us, then who is against us? (Romans 8:31).”
In Dnipro, corps leaders Dmytro and Nataliya Rak run weekly worship services, as well as Bible studies, prayers and a youth group.
In the Dnipro Corps, Captain Natalia Rak leads Bible study and prayer by candlelight and a mobile phone torch.
They prepare soup and a hot meal daily for up to 40 internally displaced people who live in nearby dormitories and are unable to cook for themselves. They also provide food and hygiene packages.
“Sometimes we eat in the dark and the cold,” says Dymtro. “But we want everyone to feel that we are here, and they are not alone, that we will be here even in the hardest of times. The Lord is with us ... and glory to Jesus Christ for the opportunity to help. We are here to serve, especially in times of war ... It is important to be there in difficult times with those who are going through it worse.”
Different teachers also run English classes, financial literacy classes for children, art and art therapy, and cooking. There is a women’s club. “We also have a plan for our painting, even when there is no water,” says Natalia. "We try to help people see and feel the love and support of God through all we do.”
The Scouts group provides opportunities for young people to learn, grow and create. Dance parties also make a fun distraction for them.
“With all these entertainments, we try to help children and their parents switch to other emotions and distract from the thoughts and consequences of war,” says Nataliya.
The Vinnytsia Corps Plant extends love and support to everyone in need, particularly the youth and elderly. “We open our hearts to everyone,” says Major Irina Shvab, now a divisional leader. “We serve tirelessly, in peaceful times and in the dark times of trials because we are sure that the light will win. And creativity helps because each person is gifted – ‘Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord’ (1 Corinthians 15:58).”
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Comments
Pray for you every night and wish you a Very Happy Christmas, filled with love and God's blessing.
You are all amazing. You are prayed for every night. Thank you for the photos. It us good to be able to 'see' You as I pray