Stoic Ukrainians mark a grim milestone as suffering from war continues
This week, on Tuesday 19 November, the Ukraine Division of The Salvation Army’s Eastern Europe Territory marked the grim milestone of 1000 days of war.
Russia invaded the country on 24 February 2022, and since that painful day, Ukraine and its people have endured bombings, drone and missile attacks, freezing winters without regular electricity, death, destruction, trauma, loss and grief. Their suffering is ongoing.
However, the nation continues to do all that it can to resist the invasion, and The Salvation Army there – officers, soldiers, friends and volunteers – play an important and integral part as it provides humanitarian, spiritual, emotional and psychological aid and support to local communities and internally displaced people.
“If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31) is an often-quoted scripture verse across the nation.
Outside Ukraine, Salvation Army teams around the world, particularly in Europe, continue to work with Ukrainian refugees as they adjust to life in a new country, often having been traumatised by the war and leaving behind loved ones, homes and communities.
SNAPSHOT OF UKRAINE
Worship and enrolments
Despite the daily dangers of life in a warzone, Ukrainian corps continue to meet each Sunday, and offer a range of Bible studies, youth groups, prayer groups and activities throughout the week.
Kharkiv, a city in north-eastern Ukraine, has faced intense bombardment, destruction and loss given its proximity to the Russian border (30km). The corps has recently enrolled new soldiers and continues to run programs for both children and adults, focusing on providing material and spiritual support to unite and encourage people and to help keep life as normal as possible.
Partnerships
In many parts of the country, The Salvation Army works in partnerships with local governments and organisations – often at their invitation – to help provide humanitarian assistance and programs for children in their communities. The Army also contributes its knowledge, experience insights and assistance into areas including community needs analyses, building a civil society, developing volunteers and strengthening spiritual values. Local governments are looking increasingly to The Salvation Army for their involvement and are grateful for their participation in the development of Ukraine and making the world a better and safer place.
Recently, in Kropyvnytskyi (Kirovograd Region), The Salvation Army was part of the city’s second forum for Civil Society Development, with the theme ‘Strong Together’. The forum was part of the National Strategy to promote the development of civil society. The Salvation Army was thanked for its value-focused and community-based contributions.
Ukrainians know that to further develop their war-torn country, the government, churches, charities and volunteer organisations must work together and combine their strengths.
Children’s programs
It has been estimated that approximately 61 per cent of Ukrainian children are suffering from trauma and stress due to the war. Corps around the country are working hard to give children a safe, warm and inviting space where they can relax, have fun, make friends, learn about Jesus and enjoy being children. In a warzone, this is far from easy.
Programs include Sunday school, psychological support, after-school homework clubs, English classes, sport, games, art, music and excursions.
In some places, corps have run city-wide programs for children. In the town of Pisochyn, The Salvation Army was invited to help judge a local school’s talent content ‘Hope has Talent’.
Children’s ministries teams are focused on helping children develop, grow and participate in building a future in a good, just world, because God created the world for good.
Scouting
Scouting is popular with children and youth. Coming together, learning new skills, sharing achievements and planning for the future is a central focus for the corps work with young people. Local and national camps, and training for leaders, is a regular part of the ministry.
A spiritual program has a central place in the scouting program. After the recent summer (northern) national camp, Divisional Commander Major Konstantin Shvab emphasised that, “The scout movement by itself cannot be without faith. Spiritual classes with Bible reading, reflection, prayer - they are present in it all.”
Anti-human trafficking
According to the Council of Europe, the illegal income from human trafficking deals in just one year could reach € 29.4 billion.
In Ukraine, especially since the onset of the war, Ukrainians, including internally
displaced persons, have become more vulnerable to the potential risks of being trafficked and enslaved. Many Ukrainian citizens are illegally held or held captive and can be used in armed conflict.
Seminars and training in raising awareness of human trafficking and modern slavery have taken place across the Ukraine Division (and all over Europe). This included risks, signs to look out for and where to get help. Professional resources were also distributed.
An online seminar for divisional officers and corps leaders also took place to discuss a modern and comprehensive approach to new challenges and threats, ensuring the protection of human rights in practice. Updated training is ongoing.
Please pray
The Salvation Army in Ukraine needs our continued prayers, as do the people of this war-torn and exhausted but determined country. Please continue to pray.
To read more about ministry in Ukraine, click here.
To view more images from Ukraine, click on the arrow below.
