Ukrainian corps continue to support local communities around the war-torn country

“It is difficult to see thousands of needy people who simply do not know where they can find a piece of bread for today, where they can find housing, how they can organise their lives, especially those families with children , who require some special care.”

These are the words of Major Irina Shvab, Ukraine Divisional Leader. In the video below, Irina shares some of her struggles, her joys and her strong faith and reliance on God.

The Vinnytsia Corps runs an active women’s club for local and internally displaced women. One popular activity is the exercise class.

“We are teaching and helping the women to care for their health,” the leaders shared. “Taking care of your own health during war, including physical activity, helps combat stress and assists your body to cope with the psychological load ... negative thoughts are turned off during exercises, and we have so many such thoughts during this time of war. We all need a lot of strength to win and beyond, so self-care is not a luxury but a necessity.”

Each Saturday, the Kiev Lighthouse Corps opens its doors to children and young people for an afternoon of games, delicious snacks and the opportunity to make new friends. Corps leaders and volunteers are working to help the young people have some sense of normality and fun in often dark and challenging times.

Corps around the Division of Ukraine are providing meals to people, many of whom have seen their homes destroyed.

Corps around the Ukraine Division are helping to feed people, many of whom have seen their homes destroyed. “The Bible tells us to love one another as Jesus loves us, so we are trying to do this as Ukraine faces this difficult time of war. This is our ministry in the new reality we face,” said the leaders.

Ukraine Divisional Leaders, Majors Irina and Kostiantyn Shvab, regularly visit corps to encourage and support officers, soldiers and volunteers. Major Kostiantyn Shvab even made fairy floss for the children during a recent corps visit.

Millions of families are still displaced in Ukraine and need life-saving humanitarian assistance. There is also a rise in trauma among children and adults. Together with international charity HOPE Worldwide, Salvationists are providing Ukrainian children and families in need with hot meals, food baskets, vouchers and other daily essential supplies. This partnership will also explore the best methods for providing psychosocial support, and then provide that support in a way that enriches the community in which they live. “The city of Mykolaiv welcomes strong and effective partnerships with HOPE worldwide and The Salvation Army,” said Oleksandr Sinkevych, mayor of Mykolaiv. “Thanks to this, we have helped save the lives of people who are suffering from hunger in the south of Ukraine. Our city thanks HOPE Worldwide and The Salvation Army for their cooperation and looks forward to the implementation of future projects.”