On April 14-17, 2024, Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary held a retreat for army chaplains and Christian volunteers involved in relief ministry to their suffering fellowmen. The event, which sought to encourage Ukrainian army chaplains and volunteers, was held in partnership with the Outreach Foundation, USA.
The team visiting from abroad was composed of the executive director Rev. Dr. Mark Mueller, associate director for mission Rev. Dr. Thomas Boone, American pastors, former servicemen, including retired brigadier general Victor Petrenko, and army chaplains, who shared their experience and support. They were joined by the President of the College of Theology and Social Sciences in Warsaw, Poland, Dr. Piotr Nowak, and a team from Lithuania headed by the pastor of the City Church in Klaipeda, Saulius Karosas.
As we are going through the third year of the full-scale war, which is unprecedented in terms of destruction and casualties since WWII, many Christians remain at the forefront of relieving the suffering of the Ukrainian nation. Therefore, it goes without saying that people who are often exposed to secondary trauma, emotional fatigue and physical exhaustion need special renewal and refreshment to be able continue their ministry effectively.
During the retreat, the said renewal and refreshment was achieved through heartfelt Christian fellowship, joint prayers and worship, exchange of experience, shared stories and techniques to cope with grief and burnout.
We are thankful to God for all participants, including students and graduates of the Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary, who are showing resilience amidst the ongoing crisis, and to our cherished friends and esteemed partners, whose invaluable support and collaboration have been instrumental in making this significant event possible by the grace of God.
We are also greatly thankful to our newly acquainted friends from Poland and Lithuania, whose invaluable contributions greatly enriched the retreat experience.