At Reimer Center, the youth meetings have started again, and this news fills the heart with joy. Despite the challenges of war, life goes on, and young people come together to seek answers in God’s Word, to support one another, and to be strengthened in their faith. The leader of the teen ministry remains Polina — young, but very devoted, who sees her main mission in helping teenagers grow not only intellectually but, above all, spiritually. She sets the goal that every meeting should be a step forward in knowing God and understanding how to apply biblical truths in everyday life.
Yesterday’s meeting was special. Together with Polina, the teenagers studied the story of Gideon — one of those through whom God performed incredible deeds. The theme of the lesson was: “God does absolute miracles through absolutely ordinary people.” This opened the door to a deep conversation about the fact that even when a person doubts themselves, God can still see potential for great things.
The teens, both in groups and together, looked for qualities that made Gideon such a valuable instrument in God’s hands. Some called him brave, others obedient, and some noted that the most important thing was that he learned to rely not on his own strength but on the strength of the Lord. These reflections helped the participants understand that God looks deeper than we do. He doesn’t always choose the strongest or the most outstanding, but those who are willing to open their hearts to His plans.
It was inspiring to hear how the teens compared Gideon’s story with their own lives. Some shared that they sometimes feel weak or insignificant in this world, especially during wartime, when reality seems so harsh. But the biblical story reminded them: it is precisely in such seemingly weak people that God reveals His power and might. This became a real encouragement for everyone present.
The atmosphere of the meeting was warm and friendly. The teens laughed, discussed, and asked difficult questions. Polina listened carefully to each one, encouraging them to speak sincerely. She once again emphasized that these meetings are not just lessons but a space for growing in faith, supporting each other, and learning to see God’s hand even in the hardest circumstances.
War remains a part of daily life: sirens, news from the front, anxious thoughts about the future. But even in such conditions, this youth movement does not stop. On the contrary, it becomes even more important. For here, the teens find what is so lacking in the world — hope, meaning, and true spiritual roots.
We pray that these meetings will continue, and that no external circumstances will be able to stop them. Because here, at Reimer Center, a generation is being formed that understands: God can work through anyone — even through those who consider themselves the least. And perhaps it is from such small steps that great changes begin for our whole city and country.
