Once a month, gatherings are held at the Reimer Center for women whose loved ones are serving in the military. Prayer for their families, uniting songs, words of encouragement from those who truly understand their pain, and shared activities that help them unwind and connect — all of these fill their time together.
However, the week leading up to the next scheduled meeting was difficult: a massive shelling of Kyiv with new casualties (news that always deeply wounds the hearts of Ukrainians), as well as intensified shelling of the suburbs of Zaporizhzhia. Leaders of the Center considered postponing the meeting. But Olga, a volunteer who runs art workshops, insisted that it should not be canceled.
“It’s so hard to plan ahead now. We don’t know what tomorrow holds,” she explained.
Despite living with her family and four children in the village of Bilenke, Zaporizhzhia region — often under fire — Olga sees meaning in serving today while there is still time and opportunity, instead of waiting for a “better” period that may never come.
Thus, on Friday evening, about twenty women, united by their common fate, gathered together. Many had eagerly awaited this meeting.
Marina, a Christian whose husband and son are both on the front lines, shared what has been the source of her strength and encouragement.
“If you are not reading the Bible yet — start! Read it in Ukrainian — it’s so beautiful,” she sincerely advised, especially highlighting the Book of Psalms, which has become particularly precious to her in these times:
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
Even when women, living in constant fear for their loved ones, have to pretend that everything is fine, they can be sure: God sees their sorrow and is near. Marina is convinced that by finding strength in God, women can endure their challenges and receive true encouragement from Him.
The next part of the evening was spent informally over painting. The participants chose their preferred background music, switching from guitar to piano and violin. They joked a lot and felt relaxed. They didn’t raise serious topics or cry but simply enjoyed the moment here and now. It was a precious time of restoration and rest.
Such meetings are a part of the Reimer Center’s ministry to those bearing the burden of war. We see how important it is to give women a space for prayer, support, and recovery. That’s why we strive to continue organizing these gatherings, understanding that they bring real encouragement and strengthen hearts during challenging times.
