Unbroken Mission to Broken People: Extending Healing and Hope in the Face of War

#BeingHuman. The ongoing war in Ukraine has given rise to a pressing and significant requirement, as a substantial portion of the population, estimated to range between 20,000 to 50,000 individuals, has been compelled to undergo amputations due to the hostilities. Over 30,000 individuals are in immediate need of prosthetic devices, indicating the loss of at least one limb. It's important to note that these statistics do not encompass those who have experienced vision and hearing impairments. Additionally, Russia has systematically directed its attacks toward the Ukrainian healthcare system, with reports from Physicians for Human Rights documenting the targeting of approximately 1,000 medical facilities.

Reflecting on these numbers, I am reminded of the urgent and pressing need for hope and healing during the ongoing unprovoked Russian war against Ukraine. The statistics shared above are staggering, with dozens of thousands of Ukrainians forced to undergo amputations and even more waiting for prosthetics. It is a devastating reality that goes beyond physical injuries, as many have also lost their vision and hearing. And even more people lost their souls (whatever it means in the full-scale war). 

But even in the face of such immense suffering, our Mission has not changed. It does not change. It did not and will not change. The need to extend the Kingdom of God and build a Community of Hope becomes even more demanding as a beacon of light amidst the ongoing thick and touchable darkness of war and destruction. The emphasis on building relationships of trust, love, and care in the Community of Hope takes on new meaning when considering the growing and unstoppable consequences of the ongoing war. It is through these relationships of trust, love and care, and collective efforts of building up theology as our identity and theology as our practice that the Mission can begin to address the immense challenges faced by amputees and those who have lost their vision and hearing, and dozens of millions of others directly affected by the Russian war.

Our daily ongoing full-scale prayer and seeking the will of God also take on a profound significance in this reality. It is a reminder that even in unimaginable suffering, the invisible Stranger is guiding and sustaining us in a visible way, even through loss, suffering, death... and resurrection. Prayer that overcomes the thick darkness of almost materialized doubts and unbelief has been our channel (yes, it is leaking, but...) of strength and a means to align our actions and efforts with the will of God, as we, theological educators in Ukraine, learn and strive to bring healing and restoration to those affected by the war.

In the face of such overwhelming need, the unchanging nature of the Mission provides a sense of stability and purpose, whatever the difference is between life in peace or life at war. The Mission that has not changed calls us, theological educators, to be agents of change, to actively bring hope and healing to amputees and those who have lost their senses... and souls. It is a call to be compassionate, to be and stay firm as the bridges between the divine and the earthly, and to be vessels through which God's will can manifest in the lives of those affected by the war.

In this reality – our reality in Ukraine – the Mission of building trust, love, and care becomes a rallying cry for action and a reminder of our shared humanity in His image and likeness.. broken, without limbs, vision, hearing... but yet...  It is a call to remain together as the People of the Bridge, to support and uplift one another, and to work towards a future where healing and restoration can be found. 

May we embrace and humble ourselves every rainy and cold morning, every sleepless because of anxiety dark night to this Mission with open hearts (our theology as identity) and open hands (our theology as practice). May we strive to build a Community of Hope that brings the light of the Heavens into the thick darkness and onto the broken lands and to the people of Ukraine... Israel... and Palestine... Peace be with you, the People of the Bridge.
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Taras Dyatlik
Ukraine

People of the Bridge: Fulfilling the Call to Kingdom Hospitality

Dear friends, in these trying times, when the ongoing full-scale Russian war plagues Ukraine more and more, there emerges a radiant light, a testament to the enduring power of faith and the boundless reach of Christian hospitality. We witness a remarkable convergence of theology and humanitarianism – a convergence that embodies the very essence of the Kingdom of God. We invite you to join us in celebrating this extraordinary union during the ongoing full-scale war in Ukraine and to respond to the call of Christian hospitality, which is an imperative of the Kingdom of God.

The "People of the Bridge" (as I call this group) – our seminary-based refugee hubs in Ukraine and Moldova – have transcended the boundaries of theological education to extend their mission towards humanitarian relief, proving that faith is not stagnant, but alive and responsive. They have shown that theology and theological training are not just about abstract ideas but a practical, compassionate expression of love for Jesus Christ and our neighbors, especially in the most challenging of times. These hubs are a remarkable illustration of how theology and service are not separate entities but interwoven strands of a higher purpose. The students, faculty, and leaders of these seminaries use their knowledge and skills to make a real difference in the suffering and broken world.

When theology meets necessity, hope springs eternal through faith in action. Bridging the gap between principles and practice, the seminary-based refugee hubs stand together, spreading light amid the darkness. Guiding the lost and healing the broken, they transcend walls to serve broken humanity, providing refuge and seeds of renewal. Serving the displaced while educating future leaders, these beacons of hope demonstrate that theology can unite with humanitarianism. Despite the tragic devastation, their work proves that hope and God's love endure, illuminating the path forward. Though the night may seem endless, the dawn will come.

The network of seminary-based refugee hubs you have supported was established in partnership with Overseas Council-United World Mission and Scholar Leaders in late February and early March 2022 after the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. The refugee hubs are established within seminaries, extending their role beyond theological education to engage in humanitarian relief efforts actively. They have provided essential support to refugees and internally displaced people, including food, shelter, medical care, and emotional and spiritual support. They have also played a vital role in evacuating people from dangerous areas and helping them to find safe temporary and permanent homes.

The list of hubs that have taken up this Kingdom imperative is extensive and impressive. They have been unwavering in their commitment to extending the love and hospitality that Christ has called us to provide:

1. Chernivtsi Bible Seminary (Chernivtsi)
2. Dialogue in Action (Peacebuilding Group)
3. Eastern European Institute of Theology (Lviv)
4. Evangel Theological University (Kyiv, Zaporizhia)
5. Kremenchuk Evangelical Seminary (Kremenchuk)
6. Lviv Theological Seminary (Lviv)
7. MH-Care (Counseling Group)
8. Odesa Theological Seminary (Odesa)
9. Tavria Christian Institute (relocated from Kherson to Ivano-Frankivsk)
10. Transcarpathian Christian Institute (Khust)
11. Ukraine Bible Society (Kyiv)
12. Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary (Pushcha Vodytsya)
13. University Divitia Gratiae (Chisinau, Moldova)
14. Zaporizhia Bible Seminary and College (Zaporizhia) 

In the 550 days since the full-scale war engulfed our land, the network of seminary-based refugee hubs has been a lifeline to those who have lost their homes and their way of life. These hubs have shown their unwavering commitment to Christian hospitality by:

• 484 volunteers have selflessly sacrificed their time and energy to provide critical support and assistance to refugees and other people affected by war and displacement despite their many challenges; they have faced many challenges but have persevered.
• 1,513 internally displaced people have found new hope and life in their Communities of Hope by accepting Jesus as their Savior and joining local churches through baptism, thanks to the ministry of the seminary-based refugee hubs.
• 2,149 theology students continue their theological education in 10 seminaries in Ukraine and Moldova, finding the value of theological education during the war to be even more sharpened by joining theological studies with practical service to internally displaced people and needy people who suffer the ongoing war.
• 2,270 people with disabilities, including evacuees, civilians, military who lost their limbs, and people with concussions, have received essential support and care from the seminary-based refugee hubs during this challenging time.
• 5,004 tons of food and other essential items have been delivered.
• 8,653 refugees received long-term shelter on seminary campuses, where they were provided with food, clothing, and other essential supplies, as well as assistance with healthcare, legal aid, and resettlement.
• 11,444 people were evacuated from dangerous areas despite the challenges of ongoing shelling, lack of safe routes, and damage to infrastructure.
• 42,340 civilians and military personnel have requested psychological, emotional, and spiritual support to cope with the effects of trauma.
• 43,838 refugees received short-term shelter as they transitioned through the seminary campuses from the war zones to safer locations in Ukraine or abroad.
• 411,078 Bibles and New Testaments have been distributed to people directly impacted by the war.
• 501,348 needy people, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children, women living alone, widows, and the elderly, have received food supplies in formerly occupied territories, liberated territories, and near the war zone and front lines. 

But it's more than just numbers; it embodies Christian hospitality. It's about living out the words of Jesus, who said, "I was hungry, and you gave me food; I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; I was a stranger, and you welcomed me." (Matthew 25:35) This is the heart of the Kingdom of God, “not yet, but already yes.”

In a world torn by strife, theological seminaries have a divine duty to bridge the gap between theological principles and the immediate need for humanitarian relief during the ongoing full-scale Russian war in Ukraine. The call to support these hubs is not just about philanthropy; it's a call to live the Gospel message. When we extend Kingdom hospitality, we echo the words of Leviticus 19:34: "The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt."

As we reflect on the remarkable work of these hubs, we encourage you to lend your support, not in exchange for what you have been supporting through Overseas Council and Scholar Leaders, but in addition to going the second mile with us... Your contributions have already illuminated the darkest corners of Ukraine and Moldova. By visiting https://uwm.org/projects/48505, you can sow seeds of hope and love in war-torn communities where our seminaries and Ukraine Bible Society serve. Together, we can extend God's Kingdom in the broken lives of hundreds of thousands and even millions of internally displaced people and refugees through your generous support.

In closing, let us remember that Christian hospitality isn't just a virtue; it's a mandate from God. In these challenging times, let us rise to the occasion and demonstrate our love for neighbors in need, integrating theological knowledge with selfless service. The Kingdom of God is at hand, and through your support, we can bring it closer to reality.

We also extend our prayers and thoughts to those who are suffering in other parts of the world, such as Palestine and Israel, where the pains of armed conflict and displacement are equally heart-wrenching. Let us not forget that our mission of hospitality transcends borders and encompasses all those in need. Just as we extend our lands, hands, and hearts to those in Ukraine and Moldova, we pray for peace and relief for our brothers and sisters in other strife-torn regions so that the light of Kingdom hospitality may shine in every corner of our world until His Second Coming…

With gratitude and appreciation, Taras N. Dyatlik (OC-UWM, SL), on behalf of the Ukraine Coordination Group, which includes
    Roman Soloviy (Langham, EEIT),
    Olga Marchak (OC-UWM, EEIT),
    Ivan Rusyn (UETS),
    Oleksandr Geychenko (OTS),
    Valentin Siniy (TCI),
    Kseniya Trofymchuk (EEIT),
    Kateryna Shutko (EEIT).