Ukrainians holding on to God in the darkness
Ukrainians holding on to God in the darkness
Children enjoy making Christmas crafts in a warm and caring atmosphere in Lviv Corps, Ukraine.
Salvationists across Ukraine face the horrors of war daily, from missile and bomb attacks to cold weather, darkness, fear, uncertainty, grief and emotional exhaustion. Despite their desperate realities, these amazing people continue to hold on to God faithfully and rely on him as, together with their teams, they help their shattered communities, traumatised internally displaced people, and anyone they can who needs assistance and care.
“These are desperate times, but God is faithful, and glory be to him for his faithfulness and care,” said one corps officer, expressing the focus of so many, even as explosions could be heard in the distance.
“We thank everyone who has supported us through prayer, finances, encouragement, parcels,” said another.
In Dnipro, where a missile destroyed a residential apartment building just days ago, killing more than 40 civilians, injuring many more and leaving hundreds homeless, The Salvation Army is active and a place of comfort and love for many.
Some of the Dnipro team sold crafts to raise money to buy Christmas gifts for children in need.
Corps leaders Dmytro and Natalia Rak lead prayer and Bible study groups, run weekly Sunday meetings, and prepare food daily for internal refugees. For the many in need, there are also regular giveaways of shoes, toys, clothing and, most recently, hygiene kits, warm clothes, blankets, pillows and towels, hot food, tea and coffee.
The Scouts group, youth meetings, English, drawing and cooking classes and exercise sessions also give people a caring community to be a part of in a world turned upside down. Christmas activities, services, parties and gifts brightly shine the love of Jesus in dark and traumatic times.
At Kyiv’s Lighthouse (Mayak) Corps, a Christmas party for internally displaced people brought hope and joy, and regular meetings bring people together to worship and focus on God.
Employees from a local company, who have partnered with the corps for several years, donated finances to purchase food, hygiene kits, clothing, and shoes. “With open hearts, they help warm the souls of those in difficult times, those who are suffering the loss of their homes and family, and those who cannot buy the basics,” said Captain Irina Shvab, Ukraine divisional leader.
In Vinnitsiya, corps youth have started a new club for younger children. The club will include Bible studies, board games, drawing and dancing. “The children are happy, and the mums are really pleased too!” some of the teenagers said.
The Vinnitsiya youth have started a children’s club to help bring joy and hope to these little ones.
In Lviv, “with God’s help, sponsors and volunteers”, teams have been distributing food, hygiene kits and other essentials. Recently, volunteers gave out 100 warm blankets to children.
An active ‘Red Kettle’ Christmas campaign to buy supplies for those in need also helped fund Christmas activities, events and gifts for children. Movie nights also provide fun distractions for children and their families.
Weekly Sunday meetings take place, even in the cold and dark. Even the table tennis games continue after services!
In Pisochin, Captain Svetlana Bochkareva oversees cooking classes where participants learn about and prepare dishes from countries all over the world. “People in Ukraine are going through the darkest times now, and food is energy, the strength needed to withstand challenges, and, given the lack of funds, the ability to cook delicious, nutritious meals from simple foods, helps to feel control of your life,” she says.
“The atmosphere in the hall is a safe environment where everyone can immerse themselves in the process and distract themselves from uncertainty, anxiety. It’s also a process that allows you to learn new things because food isn't just a dish; it’s a history. These experiences open our halls across the country to the towns and villages where we live.”
To donate to the work of The Salvation Army in Ukraine, click here.
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