Though the shadows of war loom large in our minds and hearts, our spirits remain unbroken. In our War Diary "We are from Ukraine," we lay bare our fears, grief, and anxieties — a testament to our shared humanity in the face of adversity.
Yet, even as the ink of our sorrows dries on the page, we continue to serve with unwavering dedication. Like a tree battered by storms but still standing, we pour our spiritual, mental, and financial resources into serving the Lord, His Church, and the people of Ukraine. The war may have wounded us, but it has not defeated us.
As the coordination group, we extend our reach beyond our borders, nurturing also the International Evangelical Theological Alliance — a network of 46 seminaries across ten Eastern European countries. We are like the resilient sunflowers of our nation: though bent by harsh winds, we still turn our faces to the light. We may stumble on this rocky path, but we walk on, our footsteps echoing the journey of Jesus. For in our weakness, we find strength; in our service, we find purpose; and in our faith, we find the courage to keep moving forward, one step at a time. It is not romantic pathos, it is our reality in Ukraine. As Scott Cunningham (Mesa Global) put it: “Everything just takes longer to get accomplished.” Thank you for your divine patience with us. Peace be with you, People of the Bridge.
As People of the Bridge, our mission amidst Ukraine's ongoing war is to embody Christ's love through comprehensive care. We meet immediate needs with food, shelter, and evacuations, while building long-term resilience through spiritual nourishment and psychological support. Our seminary and partner hubs serve as centers for both humanitarian aid and leadership development, equipping the next generation of Christian leaders even as we tend to the wounded and displaced. We're committed to adapting our approach as needs evolve, focusing on the most vulnerable.
By integrating practical assistance with theological training and spiritual care, we're not just responding to a crisis – we're nurturing a Community of Hope that will endure long after the war ends. Our goal is to see a resilient, faith-filled Ukrainian Church and society emerge from these trials, stronger and more united in its journey towards healing and reconstruction.
At the heart of our initiative is our dedicated team of 437 volunteers (in the April-August period), whose unwavering commitment drives every aspect of our work. These individuals, many of whom are seminary leaders, students, faculty, graduates, and local church members, are the lifeblood of our operations. They not only provide hands-on assistance in our various aid programs but also bring a depth of compassion and spiritual insight that is crucial to our holistic approach. Our volunteers are involved in everything from coordinating evacuations and distributing food packages to offering counseling and leading Bible studies.
Their diverse skills and backgrounds allow us to respond flexibly to complex challenges, whether it's providing specialized care for people with disabilities or offering trauma-informed support to those who've experienced the horrors of war firsthand. Despite being slightly smaller in number than earlier this year, this team's impact has only grown, as they've deepened their experience and strengthened their connections within the communities we serve. Their dedication embodies the very essence of our mission, demonstrating how faith in action can bring hope and healing even in the darkest of times.
We've observed a shift in the most pressing needs. While we're still assisting with evacuations - 379 people in this period, bringing our total to 11,556 since the Russian war began - we're now focusing more on targeted help, especially for people with disabilities. Since June 2023, we've assisted 3,390 people with disabilities out of a total of 5,041, demonstrating our commitment to those who are most vulnerable.
Providing safe accommodation for internally displaced persons remains crucial. From April to August, we've offered short-term housing to 6,994 people, bringing the total to 46,467 - a stark reminder of the ongoing displacement caused by the war. Additionally, 2,005 people have found longer-term homes on our seminary campuses, contributing to a total of 9,183 since the war began. This underscores the growing necessity for stable, long-term housing solutions.
Material aid continues to be a cornerstone of our support. We've distributed 41,445 food packages to IDPs and people in need, bringing our total to 595,028. We've also delivered 300 tons of supplies to frontline areas, contributing to a total of 5,982 tons. While these numbers are slightly lower than in previous periods, they highlight the persistent basic needs and the importance of supporting high-risk areas, especially local churches in these regions.
However, our focus extends beyond physical needs. We've placed significant emphasis on spiritual and psychological support. During this period, we've distributed 73,310 Bibles, bringing our total to 1,049,881 since November 2022. We've also provided initial counseling to 15,591 people, contributing to a total of 71,690 since November 2022. This isn't just about immediate relief; we're offering hope, community, and a chance for long-term healing to Ukrainian soldiers and civilians alike. We're heartened that 241 people have joined local evangelical churches, bringing the total to 3,877 since June 2023 - a testament to our war response building a Community of Hope.
The growing need for mental health support is evident, with many individuals requiring professional help for trauma-related issues. Our focus on psychological well-being, combined with spiritual support, addresses both the immediate and long-term effects of the war. In essence, we're constantly adapting to the evolving situation in Ukraine. From targeted evacuations and support for vulnerable groups to our emphasis on long-term accommodation and mental health care, we strive to understand and meet the changing needs of those we serve.
We maintain our focus on the Mission of God and our primary calling to develop Christian leaders and church ministers. By integrating spiritual support, theological education and community building into our aid efforts, we're not just meeting immediate needs - we're fostering resilience and hope for the Church's flourishing future. Throughout this challenging period, our seminaries have continued to serve as beacons of hope and learning. With approximately 3,000 students actively engaged in our programs, these institutions remain committed to their dual purpose of nurturing the Church and serving Ukrainians in need.
Despite the ongoing war, our seminaries have become vital centers for both spiritual growth and practical assistance. They've not only continued to educate and equip future church leaders but have also played a crucial role in our People of the Bridge initiative, helping to heal and rebuild our broken faith and territorial communities. This blend of academic pursuit and hands-on ministry has enabled our leaders, faculty, students, and graduates to directly apply their learning to the urgent needs around them, truly embodying the spirit of compassionate service in these difficult times.
As we continue our mission in Ukraine, we're reminded that the impact of war extends far beyond our borders. We call on you to share this report, spreading awareness of the ongoing needs and the power of faith-driven action in times of 'armed conflicts.' Your support, whether through prayer, volunteering, or donations, is crucial in sustaining our efforts to build resilience and hope. Let us also remember our brothers and sisters in Christ not only in Israel, but also in Gaza, Lebanon, and throughout the Middle East. Having experienced the devastating costs of war firsthand in Ukraine, we understand the profound suffering and urgent needs of those caught in wars. Our hearts go out to all affected communities, and we pray for peace and healing in every war-torn region.
Jesus reminds us that even the gates of Hell cannot overcome the Community of Hope that is His Body on Earth. Together, let us be that beacon of hope, extending God's love and comfort to all who suffer, regardless of borders or background. Your continued support and prayers are vital as we strive to be Christ's hands and feet in a world that desperately needs His healing touch.
