In the spring of 2023, amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia, a small seed of an idea took root in the fertile soil of compassion. This seed, planted through a casual conversation between One Collective and an American denomination, would grow into a life-changing initiative for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ukraine.
The Transform Uzhhorod Alliance (TUA) had already established eleven IDP centers across Ukraine, providing shelter to families uprooted by war. These centers became beacons of hope, drawing in people from all walks of life and various cities throughout the country. Despite their diverse backgrounds, these families shared a common thread – the trauma of displacement and the need for healing.
As summer approached, the seed of hope began to sprout. A short-term team from Dungeness Community Church (DCC) in Sequim, Washington, arrived in Uzhhorod. Their initial mission was to hold a retreat for Alliance members grappling with trauma fatigue. Little did they know that their presence would catalyze a transformation within the Alliance itself.
The DCC team’s impact was profound. Through their efforts, the Alliance evolved from a loose coalition of churches and organizations into a close-knit family united in purpose. It was during this time that the DCC team overheard discussions about a dream to hold a retreat for IDP women. In a moment of divine providence, DCC surprised the Alliance with a generous gift to fund such an event.
Energized by this unexpected blessing, four TUA churches joined forces. A team of ten 
dedicated women, led by One Collective catalyst Marina Landro, began planning what would become a groundbreaking trauma retreat. Their vision was clear – to create a safe space for healing, growth, and spiritual renewal for IDP women and children.
In the warm Summer air of 2024, the dream became reality. Thirty-eight women and children from the IDP centers gathered for the retreat, each carrying burdens of loss and trauma, but also hope for a brighter future.
The retreat was a carefully orchestrated blend of therapeutic activities and spiritual nourishment. Participants engaged in craft sessions, creating shopping bags, soap, greeting cards, and jewelry. These activities served a dual purpose – providing a creative outlet and fostering a sense of accomplishment and control, crucial for those who had lost so much.
Two group hikes were organized, allowing attendees to connect with nature and each other, building a supportive community away from the confines of the IDP centers. Journaling sessions encouraged expression of deep-seated emotions, while workshops tackled practical strategies for managing trauma and stress.
Spiritual growth was at the heart of the retreat. Leaders presented sessions on finding peace, embracing Sabbath rest, deepening faith in God, and the importance of loving Jesus. The impact was profound – every attendee either committed their life to Christ or rededicated themselves to a deeper relationship with Him.
The retreat concluded, but its effects continued to ripple outward. Many women reached out to retreat leaders, seeking mentorship and guidance in their newfound or renewed faith. What began as a seed of an idea had blossomed into a movement of healing and spiritual revival.
This narrative of hope and transformation stands as a testament to the power of partnership in ministry. From the initial conversation with the American denomination to the generous gift from DCC, from the collaborative efforts of the TUA churches to the dedicated service of the planning team – each played a vital role in this unfolding story of God’s work in Ukraine.
As we reflect on this journey, we are reminded of the words in Ecclesiastes 4:12: “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Our partnership, woven together by faith, compassion, and shared purpose, has indeed proven strong in the face of adversity, bringing light to those in the darkest of circumstances.