As the year 2023 drew to a close, the transformative work of the Sister Church Association, under the dynamic stewardship of Transform Uzhhorod Alliance, has been nothing short of inspirational. Amidst the ravages of war and the looming threat of nuclear calamity, the reach of hope and aid has extended far and wide, touching lives in the most precarious positions.
Foremost in this noble endeavor is Svaboda Church, a name synonymous with “Freedom,” a beacon of light in the direst of times. Positioned a mere 20 miles from the war’s frontlines and dangerously close to the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant, the church has stood firm in the face of adversity. As conflict raged and the frontlines once encroached upon their city’s doorstep, the community’s resilience was tested. Ukrainian troops, seeking refuge in local schools, saw these structures crumble under the brutality of bombardment, leaving destruction in their wake and displacing the sanctity of education.
The community, numbering 13,000, has not been spared; approximately thirty homes were laid to waste, and the city itself was thrust into despair as vital water supplies were severed due to the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam. Yet, Svaboda Church has risen to the occasion, providing not just spiritual succor but tangible lifelines. By investing in the construction of wells and water purification systems, the church has quenched the thirst of a city parched by war, with large water bins stationed invitingly for the community to replenish their supplies.
Their efforts have not stopped at providing water. A large tent, standing proud in the church’s parking lot, has become a hub of solace, offering daily meals and humanitarian aid to the 2700 internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have sought refuge in the town. As winter casts its cold shadow, the church has further extended its warm embrace by supplying firewood to ensure that the surrounding villages can fend off the chill.
In an acknowledgment of his unwavering commitment and leadership, Pastor Pavel Holub has been elevated to the esteemed position of the bishop of the Church of God Ukraine. His new role sees him traversing the breadth of the denomination, bestowing encouragement and extending the reach of “freedom” to those besieged by the stresses of war. His recent sojourn to a congregation in Oleksandryia, Kirovohrad Oblast, stands testament to the undeterred spirit of solidarity.
This expansive network of support and compassion has been significantly bolstered by the generous assistance of their Sister Church, the Community Fellowship in West Chicago, Illinois. The alliance between these communities transcends geographical boundaries, forging a union that not only mitigates the scars of conflict but also fosters an international fraternity bound by love, care, and shared humanity.
The Sister Church Association and Transform Uzhhorod Alliance exemplify the power of collective action and the indomitable nature of the human spirit. Their story is one of courage, community, and the enduring quest for peace and freedom.