Aussies play a role in ‘dream’ retreat for Ukrainian Salvation Army leaders
BY SIMONE WORTHING
“I have a dream, that children in Ukraine and my city of Kharkiv and around the whole world would not startle and fear when they hear a loud noise and think it’s a projectile or bomb,” said Tamara, from Kharkiv Corps, Ukraine, at the recent retreat for Ukrainian officers, cadets and corps leaders and others at The Salvation Army’s campsite in Bernāti, Latvia.
“I dream that children could look into the sky and see animal shapes from the formation of the clouds, and not think about what objects might be flying up there – helicopters or planes or projectiles. I dream that people in my country, my city and around the whole world could live in a peaceful world. There is much more I could say, but this is the most important.”
Tamara shared her dream recently at a retreat for Ukrainian officers, cadets, corps leaders and others at The Salvation Army’s campsite in idyllic Bernāti, Latvia.
The weary but faith-filled officers and teams, with their families, enjoyed almost two weeks at the camp, which was hosted by the Latvia Region of Sweden and Latvia Territory. The Australian SAID department (Salvation Army International Development) funded the retreat.
“The retreat idea was brilliant, and we just had to find somewhere where they would be safe and could recharge in a beautiful environment.”
Major Judith Soeters, who was head of SAID when Russia invaded Ukraine (24 February 2022), had previously served in the Eastern Europe Territory (EET) and knew many of the Ukrainian officers, immediately wanted to assist in whatever way possible.
“We went through official channels, and I was in touch with some of the officers in Ukraine – some of whom I had trained when I was Training Principal for the EET and had spent time with in Ukraine,” she said. “The retreat idea was brilliant, and we just had to find somewhere where they would be safe and could recharge in a beautiful environment.
“We could assist the leaders and fund a time of rest for them and their families.”
Time together in safety
“The retreat was designed for the families to have time together in a safe environment,” explained Major Elizabeth Garland, an Australian officer serving as Development Officer for the Eastern Europe Territory (of which Ukraine is a division).
“The camp is close to the sea so they could go to the beach, there were activities they could all do together, and the setting gave them plenty of time in nature. It was a time for healing and restoration. For more than two and a half years now, they have been living in extremely difficult circumstances, and it’s not getting any better. It’s actually getting worse.”
Eastern Europe Territory leaders, Colonels Ann and Richard Borrett, and Majors Mel and Steve Smith, regional leaders of the Latvia Region of the Sweden and Latvia Territory, also spent time in fellowship and worship with the Ukrainian group.
"We know what we are going back to, and we go with God."
Joy and camaraderie
Another Australian officer (now part of the Sweden and Latvia Territory), Captain Kathleen Johansson, who currently serves in Riga, Latvia’s capital, managed the Latvian administration of the camp and booked some excursions and entertainment for the Ukrainian families. These included visits to a museum and high-ropes park and a visiting children’s entertainer and musician.
Kathleen also welcomed the Ukrainians when they arrived and spent almost two days with them in the second week. “A group of us from Latvia Regional Headquarters visited, including the newly arrived regional leaders and the manager and volunteer – both Ukrainian – from our Centre for Refugees in Riga,” she said.
“Our visit was very special. It was a pleasure to spend time with the officers, cadets and leaders with their families and witness how much they had been able to make the campsite a second home for those 12 days, and how relaxed they had been able to be.
“Joy and camaraderie seem to break language barriers!”
“The adults and children both seemed to appreciate the peace and quiet and the very close proximity to the sea. I understood that the fact that they didn't have to hear any air raid sirens or be ready to run for cover at any moment must have been an immense blessing. I also understood that the trip to get here and back – 32 hours each way – was long and arduous in a bus, but that it was ‘worth it’ for the peace and quiet.
“A highlight for me personally was being invited in the late evening during our visit to play a board game with some of the families. We sat up late and had a great time, despite me not knowing more than a few words in Ukrainian. Joy and camaraderie seem to break language barriers!
“A highlight more professionally was getting to see our Ukrainian manager and volunteer from the Riga Refugee Centre interact with their fellow countrymen and women and talk about which cities they were from and to get to know each other. Anzhelika, our centre manager, was also able to share a bit about our work in Riga and what we're trying to do for the Ukrainian refugees in Latvia.”
Just prior to the group’s return to Ukraine, Major Irina Shvab, Ukraine Divisional Leader, was asked whether she found it difficult to imagine that she was returning home the following day – to a warzone. “Of course,” she said. “But we know what we are going back to, and we go with God.”
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