“Peace be with you!” Christ greeted His frightened and confused disciples. He stood in their midst and transformed their pain into joy, weakness into strength, and uncertainty into courage. Though outside the walls, Rome still ruled with power, Christ brought peace to hearts – peace that overcame fear and revealed what peace, love, ministry and sacrifice truly are. And today, just as then, Jesus reminds us the most significant victory has already been won, and everyone who believes in Him has His peace, even amid war, behind prison walls, under occupation and in the trenches.
In our church, we sing this worship song: “You give peace in the midst of war; You light the way in the darkness; You pour Your rain upon the deserts – and I am not alone. You are with us.”
Amid war, we continue to work, serve, smile, hug, love and dream. Last summer, we had a dream to create a special place for children and youth of fallen soldiers. For more than six months, we prayed and sought opportunities. What a joy! With God’s help, our dream has become a reality.
Two floors up – in the same building used by our volunteer center, WAY – is “Porouch” (Ukrainian for “nearby”), named quite symbolically because it’s important to have someone dependable by your side in times of deep pain and suffering. Our vision is for this to be a safe space where the children of soldiers currently defending Ukraine or children whose fathers have died in the war can experience healing, love and hope.
Through faith, education and therapy, we seek to help rebuild the children’s lives and develop their potential. Various programs for different age levels help make it enjoyable and meaningful. But our greatest desire is to demonstrate Christ’s love for them. On April 5, this youth space was officially opened. We began regular activities: sports programs, English-language courses, art therapy, group therapy for teens, a teen movie club, workshops, teen girls’ fellowship, and the Wise Carpenter project for boys.
As we move forward, we believe God will guide us and bless this place with His presence. We hope it will become a place of refuge, healing and growth. Please pray that God will use us amid the crisis of war as we walk nearby to rebuild lives and help young people find living hope.
