Bravely Sharing the Message in Ukraine

“To be brave doesn’t mean absence of fear. It’s the ability to face it for a specific purpose.” This was the message delivered to young people at a Youth for Christ camp in the village of Sokil, Ukraine – a message the Youth for Christ staff and volunteers there live out every day.

Despite war, uncertainty, and hardships Youth for Christ’s ministry in Ukraine continues. Through Day Centers for at-risk children, camps, and discipleship groups young people are still discovering the wonders of God’s love.

“Working in Day Centers in peace time is quite difficult and requires special skills and full dedication,” said a Youth for Christ Ukraine worker. “But during the war, we have been facing problems that we had not experienced before. Russia has destroyed more than 40% of our country’s energy infrastructure. Basic things such as heat, water and light have become inaccessible to us. Children, teenagers, and families need basic things: clothes, food, warmth, attention, communication. Using our Day Centers, Youth for Christ Ukraine, together with partners, is covering many of these needs. We are very appreciative of the partners who give us the opportunity to have heat in this Day Center.”

“I like coming to the Day Center because I like it here,” said one young girl. “Here you can play games and have fun,” said another. “We like to come to the Day Center because we have friends here.”

In the cities of Ivanopol and Sokil kids attended camp in the midst of the war. “We are grateful to parents for having the courage to send their children to the camp even in the conditions of war, and we thank each participant who overcame himself during the camp, showing courage, resilience and bravery,” said a Youth for Christ worker. “We are grateful to the Lord for His presence, that Bible stories came to life and became relevant and that everyone has the opportunity to find Jesus in his heart.”