For over three years, Ukraine has been shrouded in the heavy fog of war, leaving a trail of trauma, uncertainty, and despair. Young people bear a particularly crushing burden—chronic anxiety, depression, and a fear of the future so deep that many dream of leaving, feeling unsupported and adrift. Young men over 18 face added pressure, unable to leave due to wartime restrictions, which intensifies their sense of disorientation. Families, too, are buckling under war’s strain—financial hardship and emotional burnout are driving up divorce rates and fracturing relationships.
In Uzhhorod, the United Methodist Church (UMC), the only congregation in the region, is responding with a bold vision: a Youth Center, supported in part by Resurrection’s funding, to serve as a sanctuary for healing, growth, and empowerment, nurturing young leaders who can, in turn, uplift others. The need for such a space is urgent. Uzhhorod’s youth, both local and international students, often feel isolated, caught in a cultural divide with few bridges to connect them. Many hesitate to marry or start families, fearing instability will shatter their hopes. Existing families struggle to stay whole, grappling with the emotional toll of war. The Youth Center will address these challenges head-on, offering pre-marriage courses, counseling for couples and young families, and a safe haven where young people can manage anxiety, grow spiritually, and forge trusting relationships—whether Ukrainian or from abroad.
A recent seminar at PID ZAMKOM, a UMC-supported center in Ukraine, offers a glimpse of the transformation this Youth Center could bring. Pastors, leaders, and families gathered to learn about trauma and stress, finding rare moments of peace. Maksym Zlydar, a veteran who served over two years in the Ukrainian army, attended with his wife, Victoria, now rebuilding their lives in Mukachevo with their six-year-old daughter. “As a veteran, I’ve struggled with PTSD,” Maksym shared. “I wanted to hear from professionals.” Led by Dr. Angela Oliver-Burgess and Pastor Marc Ivanchak, the seminar offered practical tools like breathing exercises and insights into how stress physically shuts down the body. Victoria noted, “We learned stress isn’t just tiredness—it’s your body breaking down.” Maksym found hope in “rewriting” traumatic memories. “Trauma is stored like a snapshot,” he explained. “But if you rewrite it as a story, it becomes experience, not fear.” By writing down his memories, he began to heal—a process the Youth Center could help others embrace. Pastor Oleksandr Omelchenko described the seminar as “a world without war,” where fellowship and handwritten letters from strangers in the Florida Annual Conference felt like family. These moments of connection and learning are what the Youth Center aims to foster daily.
The Youth Center will be a vibrant hub—offering English classes, intercultural events, Bible study groups, creative workshops, volunteer-led community service, and leadership training. It will empower young people to navigate challenges, build resilience, and bridge divides between local and international communities. For anyone watching Ukraine’s youth struggle, this initiative is a lifeline—a place where despair can give way to purpose.
Points to Reflect On:
- Healing is possible, even in crisis. Tools like somatic exercises and counseling, as seen at PID ZAMKOM, can help manage trauma. What small step could you take to address stress or trauma in your own life?
- Community combats isolation. The Youth Center will connect local and international youth, creating a space where all feel valued. Who in your life feels disconnected, and how could you reach out to them?
- Leaders emerge from support. Equipping youth with skills and faith empowers them to shape the future. What skills or encouragement could you share to help someone find their purpose?
- Small gestures spark hope. From handwritten letters to safe spaces, small acts can ignite change. What small act of kindness could you offer to bring hope to someone today?
The Uzhhorod Youth Center is more than a project; it’s a promise to Ukraine’s youth that their potential matters. It’s a vision of a future where they can lead, love, and thrive, even in the darkest times. By fostering healing, connection, and purpose, this center will light a path forward—one story, one life, one leader at a time.
Learn more about our Global Missions partnerships here: Global Missions Page
Photo credit: Katya Voloshyna
