Ukraine Response8/27/2024 "acting in alliance with the Spirit of love" In early 2022, in the days immediately following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, humanitarian concerns and response focused on border assistance, transportation, secure shelter, sufficient and nutritious food, and financial support for those fleeing to join family and friends elsewhere. As the war persists into its third year, partners have focused on helping rebuild in-country and assisting those who have sought safer life in new places. This means providing education assistance, school supplies, online classes, and continuing to work on rebuilding damaged schools and repurposing buildings into safe and viable space. With millions of internally displaced persons (remaining in Ukraine, but no longer in their homes) and refugees (to other nations) affected, provisions include job integration, language classes, health care and medical assistance, and guidance and supplies for sustainable lodging and utilities. The struggle and the needs seem endless. Fortunately, compassion is endless too.  In November 2022, the Dévai Fogadó Refugee Centre opened in Budapest. With congregational Pastor Marta Bolba as Director, with support from local Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hungary volunteers, and funded through the ACT Alliance Ukraine appeal – including support from Week of Compassion – the Centre has served thousands of refugees since the start of the war. With a special focus on the Ukrainian Roma community, Devai Fogado takes its name from the parable of the Good Samaritan – fogadó refers to an inn or roadhouse, recalling the place where the Samaritan ensured the man left abandoned on the road to Jericho would be cared for in every way.  Previously often referred to with the derogatory ‘gypsies,’ the Roma people have known generations of racism, exclusion, and poverty. Programs at Dévai Fogadó offer the resources of basic education and language skills, employment counseling and specialized health care, so they are best prepared to establish their families in a new place. Being in familiar company overcomes feelings of isolation, and participating in everything from art therapy to children’s camps, receiving special attention for chronically ill individuals, and finding spiritual counseling and psychosocial care, the chance for a new life feels closer all the time. The earlier refugee crisis inspired Pastor Bolba to build a local network of volunteers, faith communities, and humanitarian services – a network which was ready to engage when the current crisis, and thousands of refugees. arrived on their doorsteps. She says,
Week of Compassion’s relief, refugee, and development ministry focuses on partnering with affected communities, putting their needs and concerns first, and working collaboratively toward the common good and greatest thriving. With partners like these through the ACT Alliance network, Disciples and Week of Compassion continue to serve the people of Ukraine, and continue to pray for their safety, recovery, and peace. This story is borrowed and expanded from the ACT Alliance Impact Report 'Ukraine Response: Two Years On'. Comments are closed.
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