• Don’t leave Ukraine out in cold
- simoneworthing
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
The leaders of the Ukraine Division of The Salvation Army’s Eastern Europe Territory, Majors Konstantin and Irina Shvab, have requested prayer for the country as it faces comprehensive and relentless Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure. Their message is below:
Dear friends,
Ukraine is currently facing significant attacks that have resulted in widespread loss of heating and electricity for many households, with temperatures falling as low as -21°C. Emergency response teams are actively working to restore essential services. These incidents have directly impacted the provision of basic necessities for civilians.
Under international law, an attack of this nature is classified as a war crime against the civilian population of Ukraine. Please keep Ukraine and Ukrainians in your prayers.
Ministry continues
Despite these devastating attacks, officers, employees and volunteers, often working in the dark, without heating or water, continue to serve their corps and communities, praising God and relying on him.
Many of their efforts focus on helping children and young people to have as normal a childhood as is possible in the midst of war, to grow their faith, and to give them experiences that bring a sense of belonging, trust, hope and joy. Early in December last year, leaders led a camp for children in a mountain location which featured worship, winter activities, and time to relax and just be kids.
After the camp, Eastern Europe Territory leaders, Colonels Joao Paolo and Karin Ramos, and Major Victoria Lalac, Secretary for Mission, joined officers, soldiers and sergeants for meetings and worship services.
Corps around the world continue to support The Salvation Army’s work in Ukraine. Majors Konstantin and Irina Shvab recently thanked “our friends at the Mannheim Friendship Corps who blessed our folks with some beautiful reflective vests for Christmas! In our realities, it is vital, because with the arrival of darkness, people are simply invisible neither on the streets nor on the roads. Something as simple as a vest can save someone's life! Thank you!”
Scouting is popular among the Ukrainian youth, with programs including worship and teaching, community service, camps and outdoor skills. Recently, Scout leaders joined the Lviv Corps in preparing and delivering lunches to the vulnerable. A blizzard complicated the deliveries, but the Scouts persevered. “Together, we are a force doing a good thing,” their leaders said.
Leaders and their teams also respond to calls for assistance in some of the “difficult destinations”. Relief includes groceries, blankets and clothing. Red Kettle funds cover some of the costs, but the requests are continuous and additional help is always appreciated.
As heavy snow blankets much of the country, the children have been enjoying winter holiday activities outside. Movies, games and sessions with psychologists are held indoors.
Robotics classes have also kicked off in Lviv. These are free for orphaned children, internally displaced young people, children with disabilities and children of the military and civil servants. “This is a great blessing to us and to those we can serve,” the leaders said.
Women’s Clubs in Kropivnitsky and Kyiv continue to meet, regardless of whether there is light. They study the Bible, enjoy craft and snacks, pray, praise God and worship him.
Leaders have also asked parents to be careful and talk to their children about dangerous drone parts that have been found around the country, often deep in snow.
Please continue to pray for Ukraine!
