In the heart of Zaporizhzhia, within the cozy and warm walls of Reimer Center, a special meeting recently took place, bringing together ten men who serve people during these challenging times. These were pastors and spiritual leaders directly or indirectly involved in the Reimer Center movement. They came not just to exchange experiences or share thoughts—they came to support each other. Three years have passed since the full-scale war began, and the burden of ministry, especially spiritual, has become even heavier. They all live in the reality of daily challenges—physical, emotional, spiritual. This meeting became an island of hope and brotherhood in the stormy sea of events.
The main theme that united all present was unity. This was no coincidence. Pastor Roman was the first to speak deeply and sincerely:
“Brothers, we all understand that now is a time of trials. War breaks destinies, separates families, destroys plans. In this chaos, it’s easy to lose not only strength but also connection with each other. Unity doesn’t arise by itself. It’s not a gift but the result of effort. Daily. Painful. Conscious. We must make willful efforts to stay together. Naturally, we tend to separate, close off, seek our own protection. But Christ called us to the opposite—to community.”
These words touched the hearts of everyone. They were not just spoken but lived. Roman spoke as someone who had experienced dispersion and gathered again to help others.
After him, Pastor Mykola spoke. His address was equally sincere and touched on an important topic—gentleness in relationships between brothers:
“You know, brothers, we often think that a real man is someone who is strong, unwavering, restrained. But I am convinced: true strength lies in the ability to be gentle. It’s hard for us men. We fear appearing weak. But the Bible says that love is also gentleness, patience, softness. Without gentleness, there will be no true unity. We must learn to speak kind words, lend a shoulder, accept a brother’s weakness with love.”
Yuriy, who daily serves among the most needy—feeding hundreds of people with hot meals, including the homeless, the lonely, people in despair—shared his own pain and observation:
“We often ask why it’s hard to love. It seems we are incapable. But I realized—pride hinders us. It prevents us from seeing another’s need, doesn’t allow us to admit that we ourselves need love. Every day I see how a simple meal and a kind word can change a person. But I also see how we, ministers, struggle with our own ‘self.’ We need to break ourselves to truly love.”
His experience added depth to the conversation. Each of those present could relate these words to their own life, ministry, difficulties.
The atmosphere of the meeting was filled with love and sincerity. After exchanging thoughts and experiences, the brothers prayed together. Their voices merged in a single song, sung as if it were their prayer.
“Lord, teach us to be united! Give us gentleness when we want to be harsh, give us love when we are drawn to isolation!”
After the meeting, everyone left not just with new ideas but with the feeling that they are not alone. That nearby are brothers ready to support, listen, pray. It was not just a meeting—it was an act of unity in a time when each day challenges human endurance.
