“The words caught my attention; they were words of hope, encouragement, and comfort. This inspired me to start reading the Bible. Before, I had never taken this book seriously, but I think it is precisely in moments of uncertainty and fear that people feel the need for something greater.” - Valentyna

When Russia invaded Ukraine just over three years ago, Lifewords Poland witnessed a profound response from individuals, churches, and organisations dedicated to supporting Ukrainian refugees and those affected by the conflict. As millions fled Ukraine seeking refuge across Europe, Lifewords responded swiftly, producing and distributing Bible resources in Ukrainian – resources like Finding Hope, which resonated with many in the midst of loss and displacement.

Today, millions of Ukrainians still reside far from home, separated from loved ones, and often struggling with the challenges of life in new countries. The devastation in Ukraine is widespread, with bombed schools, hospitals, and civilian areas indicators of a landscape destroyed and lives changed forever.

Practical support 

As the fight for power and control of Ukraine continues, churches, organisations, and individuals are committed to providing material and spiritual aid, faithfully serving both refugees abroad and communities within Ukraine. One such ministry is Good Works Mission, a Polish umbrella organisation of churches and charities.

Its ministry includes taking practical aid into Ukraine as well as supporting Ukrainians in Poland – helping them find accommodation at the beginning of the war, settle into churches, and integrate their young people into education.

Their Good Centre in Warsaw is a support project for refugees, providing daily assistance, including food, clothing, and material support to over 100 people every day. In addition to this they also run regular group therapy sessions, Polish language classes, sessions for seniors, and last year over 500 people received medical help from doctors from the USA as part of the International Medical Relief project.

The Good Centre also serves as an organisational base for humanitarian convoys to Ukraine where over 50 volunteers have been involved in regular trips, dedicating their time and energy to deliver essential support directly to Ukraine.  

Valentyna from Kherson is a regular visitor to the centre: “I spent my entire life in my hometown, and leaving it was the hardest thing for me,” she says. “Having reached retirement age, my only dream was to live in peace, and care for my grandchildren. Russia took that away. Since arriving in Poland, I have been asking myself: Why am I here? What should I do? Will I ever be able to return home? What is the meaning of all this?”

Valentyna found help at the Good Centre, where she was able to talk about her experiences at one of the therapy sessions.  “I am quite an open person, but recent events made me withdraw into myself,” she says. “When the opportunity arose to share my pain, I was relieved.” 

Spiritual hope 

Building relationships and offering people spiritual hope is key at the centre, and Lifewords is privileged to play a part in this mission, supplying Ukrainian Bible resources that offer comfort, hope, and the message of God's presence amid suffering.

Radek Gasza, Good Works Mission Director, explains more: “From the beginning, our goal has been not only to offer products to anonymous recipients, but to build lasting relationships and support specific communities. Lifewords resources are an important part of this work – Bible resources are offered at the Good Centre and are included with every food bag that we distribute in Ukraine.”

Yana, from Zaporizhzhia, is another regular visitor to the centre: “I moved to Poland a year after the full-scale war began. To say I was in despair is an understatement. One day, when I received a hygiene package at the centre, I saw that there were some booklets inside that talked about God. I was very intrigued. What was written in the booklet greatly encouraged me.

"I felt that God understood me and was in control of every situation. This inspired me to learn more about God. Later, I met people who shared their life experiences and told me how they had come to know God. You can’t imagine how valuable and important such support is.” 

Light in the darkness 

Olga and Oleksandr are regular volunteers at the centre. “During our time here, we have seen how foreign organisations and caring people support us,” says Olga. “I have been amazed at how others are so compassionate and wondered where they found so much love. Now, I realise that many of them are Christians. The people who surround me at the centre are also Christians. It is through these people I have begun to get to know God.

"Our centre has a lot of Christian literature that is freely available to everyone, and I enjoy taking and reading it. It really helps to find answers to painful questions. We hand out booklets at the centre that talk about God, because I know from personal experience how much people need this.” 

The work of Good Works Mission represents the heart of what Lifewords strives for – a partnership of hands and hearts bringing light to dark times. Radek and his team’s commitment to delivering aid and words of hope reflects the incredible impact that individuals and organisations can have when driven by faith and compassion.

In the midst of unimaginable hardship, it is often a word of hope and encouragement that strengthens the spirit. Lifewords Bible resources, in the hands of people like Radek, provide more than words – they become a lifeline for those yearning for peace and comfort.