Week of Strategic Visits: Global Presence Amid the War

Despite the ongoing war and daily threats to civilian life, the Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary (UETS) continues to serve as a place of hope, dialogue, and collaboration. During a particularly difficult week in June — marked by deadly attacks on Kyiv — the seminary hosted two important delegations. These visits brought encouragement, affirmed global solidarity, and opened new opportunities for strategic partnership in theology and trauma care.

On June 23, UETS was honored to welcome Jan Wessels, Secretary General of the European Evangelical Alliance (EEA), to its campus. His visit came just hours after a massive overnight assault on Kyiv, where over 300 drones and missiles caused destruction, killing six and injuring 31 civilians. 

Despite these conditions, Mr. Wessels spent time with faculty and leadership, discussing UETS’s involvement in EEA networks — particularly the Fellowship of European Theologians. His presence offered comfort and strength. As he wisely noted, “The cruel reality of war is no obstacle for God to accomplish His great purposes.”

Just one day later, UETS had the privilege of receiving a delegation from Dallas International University (DIU). Their decision to travel to a war-torn country expressed deep solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

The visit focused on exploring joint trauma-healing initiatives in Ukraine. The discussion included group counseling, ethnomusicology, and doxological practices, emphasizing the critical role of lament and worship in processing collective pain.
The two institutions also considered launching a joint academic consortium, which would support PhD students at UETS while allowing DIU faculty to assist with course delivery.

In a time when physical safety cannot be taken for granted, the presence of international brothers and sisters is profoundly meaningful. These strategic visits reaffirm the global body of Christ standing with Ukraine — not just in words, but in action.

We thank God for every visitor who chooses to walk alongside us. We are deeply grateful to all our brothers and sisters in Christ from around the world who continue to lift us up in prayer and support us during this challenging time. Your encouragement and partnership strengthen our mission and remind us that God is still working — even in war.