War in Ukraine: How much longer?
It will soon be 40 months since the Russian armed forces invaded Ukraine and allowed the conflict, which had been smouldering for years, to escalate into open warfare. Since then, politicians have held countless talks - about ceasefires, necessary arms deliveries and diplomatic solutions. But the suffering and death in Ukraine continues, and the longing for a just peace remains unsatisfied.
In the first weeks after the war began, millions of people fled Ukraine. Congregations and individuals of the Evangelical Methodist Church (EMC) in the neighbouring countries reacted immediately: they opened their buildings as places of refuge, organized food, clothing and medical care and helped with onward travel. At the same time, aid shipments were sent to Ukraine - with basic goods such as blankets and hygiene articles, but also with urgently needed medical equipment for hospitals.
Help in transition - from emergency aid to integration
In the meantime, the situation has changed. There are no longer so many people fleeing Ukraine. And on the other hand, many of those who have arrived and stayed in Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary or Romania have long since taken major steps towards integrating into their respective societies.
Pastor Jana Křížova from Prague explains: "Many people who have fled Ukraine have long since found a job and an apartment. Although they are still supported by the state, they only need material help from the EMK in exceptional cases. We are as EMK in the Czech Republic in a position to provide the necessary assistance with its own resources."
The situation is similar in Romania and Hungary. The need for accommodation is still greatest in Poland - around one and a half times as many refugees are registered there as in the other three countries combined. Of the 14 Polish EMK congregationsSome of the organizations that initially provided accommodation are still active. Szarlota Kamińska, the coordinator of this work, emphasizes: "Even if the intensity of the commitment to the people who have fled Ukraine is decreasing, it must be emphasized that support for them and our commitment are still necessary."
Pastoral care and spiritual guidance
Polish pastor Jarosław Bator has been traveling to Ukraine regularly for a long time. Initially, his focus was on providing material aid in the north-east of the country. Today, he is primarily concerned with giving people spiritual support. He preaches in two places, including a hospital, and meets with his parishioners online every week.
Rares Calugar, the area manager for the EMK in Romaniaspeaks of a change: "Our work with the refugees from Ukraine continues. In Cluj-Napoca, we have a Ukrainian center that offers more than 100 children and young people a place for various extracurricular activities such as art, music and dance. In addition, Romanian courses for adults are now also offered there. In Sibiu, we are continuing the "Ascending" project, an after-school program for young people where Ukrainian and Romanian young people come together to learn life skills and have time for personal development."
Trauma management and pastoral care
The UMC not only provides practical support, but also spiritual support. In Romania, the project "Faces of Courage", which helps women deal with the trauma of war. The first waterproof Bibles for Ukrainian soldiers are a particularly moving project. Because cell phones with an internet connection would make them easy targets for drones, printed Bibles in modern Ukrainian are being used as a "symbol of resilience and hope".
The commitment to people in Ukraine with post-traumatic stress disorder is also a priority for those responsible at the EMK in the Czech Republic. They support the organization of ten-day rehabilitation retreats, in which widows of fallen soldiers and orphans in particular receive the help they need. This help includes rest, psychological and psychotherapeutic support, which is provided by appropriate specialists, as well as spiritual offerings such as church services and pastoral care. In 2023 and 2024, the EMK's partner organization in the Czech Republic held a total of 24 such retreats for around 50 people each - another 20 are planned for 2025. An indication of how great the need is.
Community across borders
In some countries, Ukrainian refugees have become permanent members of UMC congregations. Others have founded their own congregations, which meet in UMC premises. Particularly noteworthy is the Russian-speaking EMK congregation in Praguewhere Ukrainians and Russians celebrate worship together. Eduard Holtman, a member of the congregation, says: "We sing in Russian and Ukrainian. I try to alternate between these two languages so that people can see that we can have peace in Christ."
The burning question remains
The longing for peace remains as strong as ever, and the question "How much longer?" weighs heavily on everyone involved. But signs of hope are becoming visible time and again - especially through the dedicated service of people from the UMC in Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Romania. A hope that is sustainable, that offers refuge and security, that gives space to the idea of a present and future worth living.
Help is still needed!
When you donate, you make life a little more bearable for people in Ukraine.
