Ukraine…explosions, fear, cold, despair, pain, tears, hunger, confusion, sadness, rage. Ukraine is filled with all of that. Every centimeter of this land is “burning” – somewhere like in Bakhmut because of fire, somewhere like in Mariupol from sheer horror, somewhere like in our Dnipro from a hole the size of the lives of people who died in a destroyed house.
Despite all of that, Ukraine fights, holds on and is healed by the love of people who support each other every day, give love and care for those who need it most. People share water, food, clothes, blankets, shoes, but there is nothing more valuable than time, attention and love. The love of Christ, which penetrates through people into this troubled world is the light that helps to survive physically, emotionally and spiritually. A child’s smile who recently saw his friend torn apart, the one they play together yesterday; a child’s hug, who stopped talking because a rocket flew straight into their home; lively eyes of a boy whose father was killed in combat… these are the things that do not fade away and is the same light. Children are exhausted by the war, teenagers in search of themselves, women lost their support, men do not understand what to do, grandparents had to leave their entire lives and start their lives from scratch, volunteers, ministers who 24/7 search, distribute, comfort and love. These are the people who inspire and hold Ukraine, because they do not give up, because they live.
Our team consists of an actor, a store owner, an animator, a boy with disability, a biochemist, a rescuer, few teachers, a translator and many other people who have become one family, who, despite everything, bring the love of Christ into people’s lives.
God opens his arms in this terrible time for everyone, again and again. He seems to hold every Ukrainian, every disappointed soul, wipes away the tears of despair and sadness and gives a reason to smile, joy and feel happiness in every day.
This is our tired but happy Ukraine. Ukraine with the desire for peace in our hearts and around us. We are strong in Jesus Christ. We are free in our Savior. We are healed by His wounds. We are enlightened by His love.
Leader of the Dnipro Сorps,
Soldier Rak Natalia