Zaporizhzhia is a city that lives between two worlds. On one side – a familiar childhood filled with joy, sports, and friends. On the other – the sounds of air raid sirens, constant fear, and uncertainty. Yet, even in such difficult times, there is a place where children can feel safe, receive support, and find new friends. This place is the Christian sports and entertainment club “Ekontakt,” where 10-year-old Zhenya comes every week.
I met Zhenya at the entrance to the club. He is an energetic, smiling boy who always has plenty of stories to tell. He greets me cheerfully and quickly walks inside, as if afraid to miss something important. I decided to spend the day with him to better understand what makes this club so special.
“As soon as I come to the club, I see happy children around and smell the coffee, which I really like,” Zhenya says with a wide smile. I understand his feelings. Indeed, there is a unique atmosphere here. Children’s laughter fills the air, and the adult leaders warmly welcome everyone. They don’t just run activities but also become friends with the kids.
In one corner of the room, a few adults are drinking coffee and chatting. In Zaporizhzhia, such a moment of peace is a real luxury. Perhaps that’s why Zhenya loves the smell of coffee so much – it reminds him of safety, warmth, and something comforting.
“I met my friend David here, and together we explore the building called Reimer Center,” Zhenya continues. His eyes light up as he talks about what they do at the club.
Reimer Center is a space where children can play football, table tennis, engage in creative activities, listen to inspiring stories, and learn something new. But most importantly, it is a place of trust and friendship.
Zhenya and David eagerly show me their favorite spots. They are excited, as if this is not just a center, but a real world of adventure. “I love coming here because it’s always interesting. We don’t just play; we also learn a lot about life, friendship, and faith,” says Zhenya.
In addition to friends, mentors play a crucial role in the club. These are adults who help children grow, support them, and simply share kindness. One of the mentors, Serhiy, tells me that the main goal of the club is to help children find peace and joy even in such difficult conditions.
Zhenya recently received a Bible in comics, which he can read and see how God helps people in challenging times.
“Children live in constant tension. They hear explosions, they see fear in their parents’ eyes. Our club is a place where they can simply be kids, without fear,” Serhiy explains.
Zhenya admits that he always feels a little sad when the club session ends. “I wish I could stay here just one more hour,” he says with a hint of melancholy in his voice. I see that he truly doesn’t want to leave. This place has become a second home for him.
After the session, the children are in no hurry to leave. They continue discussing the moments they shared, exchanging impressions. The adults say goodbye, wishing them a good evening and reminding them that the next meeting is just around the corner.
Zhenya is sure: this club is one of the best parts of his life. He gladly tells his friends about it. “I tell my friends that this club is really cool,” he concludes.
And indeed, in times when life has become so challenging, such places gain special significance. They don’t just entertain children – they give them hope. In a world where sirens wail daily and war has become a reality, children’s laughter and friendship are invaluable.
Zhenya and the other children who visit this club show us that even in the hardest times, it is worth staying open to kindness, support, and joy. And as long as places like Reimer Center exist, there is a future – bright, full of hope, and filled with love.
