News from Ukraine
Spring, longer days, more sun, new hopes, talks about possible peace, and many different opinions…. And Odessa is bombed every night. This night, explosions could be heard very close to our small town. That’s why talks about peace seem somehow unreal…
During times of war, the future feels uncertain. As counselors, for the past three years, we have been helping those around us learn to live in the present, care for themselves, and find the inner strength to rebuild and endure. We have witnessed remarkable emotional healing within our group of refugees. Among them, 55 individuals have successfully settled in our town—some have found jobs, others have joined our church ministries, discovered new hobbies, and formed meaningful friendships. Most importantly, many have found faith and come to know Jesus.
Over the past two weeks, we’ve seen tears return to the faces of those in our group. It’s strange—somehow, the efforts of politicians to bring us “peace” have become even more painful than the war we’ve grown accustomed to. Thinking about peace under the conditions set by our enemy is unbearable. It feels like the price we will have to pay is far too high.
For three years, we have fought relentlessly—to remain a country, to preserve our identity, and to keep our spirit alive. Our refugees are not just people who lost their homes and loved ones; they are survivors who have endured the horrors of war and occupation. They cannot bear to watch negotiations unfold with a war criminal who should be stopped, not bargained with. Leading the group has become incredibly difficult because, like everyone else, my soul aches.
Over the past month, we’ve come to realize that we need to pay even more attention to the children in our refugee group. When parents are struggling, their children feel it too. Oksana, a mother living in our Refugee Center with her two children, shared her concerns with me—her children’s performance at school has declined. It’s heartbreaking but not surprising. When we see children in our schools rushing to bomb shelters multiple times a day, how can we expect them to focus on their studies?
To support them, we’ve decided to introduce special activities just for the children—games, movement-based songs, and more. I’ve also started building a small library at the Refugee Center, filling it with children’s books. Our next goal is to create a playground in the yard so they have a safe space to play. In addition, I spend individual time each week with two young girls, offering them extra support and care. I truly hope that, despite everything, our children will be okay.
The children in the orphanage, less influenced by mass media and immersed in their own environment, are in better condition than some outside. We are grateful to be part of their lives—bringing them joy, spending time together, studying Bible stories, listening to their experiences, and offering guidance when they seek it. Two new boys, Serge and Art, are adjusting well to life at the orphanage, though the younger one faces some discipline challenges. With their extensive gardening experience, they have planted vegetables across all available plots and have asked us to bring more seeds so they can expand their efforts. Their initiative sets a great example for the other children and provides valuable benefits for everyone.
We have great news! One of our team members, Vika, who began her journey with us as a volunteer three years ago, is now graduating from Odessa Christian University with a degree in psychology. Recently, she learned about an open position for a psychologist at an orphanage, applied, and was offered the job! Vika is a devoted Christian with a deep love for children and incredible gifts in evangelism and care. It’s inspiring to see how God is opening new doors for the gospel and providing more opportunities for the spiritual care of these children.
We thank you for your support and help during such a difficult time for us.
Please, send your donations to Pathway Ministries
Langston Haygood,D.Min.,Ph.D.
Pathway Ministries, Inc.
(205)835-3325
http://www.pathwayministriesinc.com
In Christ,
Lyuda
P.S. There are photos of our refugee kids, the photos of orphanage kids and you can see Vika, our new psychologist, with the teddy-bears on her way to the orphanage.
