A Place of Hope: Dnipro Sister Church Helping Heal Young Hearts

Since the early days of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, a church in Dnipro—a city located in the country’s southeast—has become a place of refuge and restoration for internally displaced persons. What began as an urgent response to wartime needs has since grown into a vibrant ministry, with a special focus on children and youth.

At the heart of this outreach is Arina M., who directs the church’s camps and youth programs. For the past four years, she and her team have walked alongside young people displaced by the war. Consistently, year-round, they organize clubs, themed gatherings, and special events. Summer, brings a highlight: day camps that welcome not only the church’s youth but also children from nearby neighborhoods. For families burdened by the economic toll of war, vacations are out of reach. These camps become a bright spot, an “island of joy.” Here, kids can laugh, play, and simply be children again.

This year’s camp held particular significance. The program was built around a trauma healing curriculum tailored for children, blending creative play with therapeutic activities. Campers engaged in art therapy, learned techniques for managing fear, and practiced responses to stressful triggers like explosions or loud noises.

Trained staff closely monitored campers, offering one-on-one support to those showing signs of greater distress. For many, this was their first experience getting emotional care in a safe environment. Spiritual nourishment also played a vital role. Through Christian songs, Bible stories and gentle conversations, the team created space for kids to explore faith and hope.

This holistic approach—addressing emotional, social, and spiritual needs—left a lasting mark. Arina shares that each year, more campers return to join the church’s youth club after summer ends. There, friendships crystallize, healing continues, and transformation begins to take root.

Undoubtedly, this work is not without obstacles. Frequent shelling in Dnipro often forces the team to take shelter, limiting outdoor activities. Financial constraints remain a constant hurdle. Yet, under the leadership of Pastor Volodymyr and a dedicated youth ministry team, the church presses on, fueled by faith, trusting God to provide.

Their greatest reward? It’s found in the small moments: a child’s smile, a whispered prayer, signs of emotional recovery, or the familiar face of a returning camper. In these glimpses, the team sees the hand of God at work, a reminder even in war, stories of hope are still being written.