The present war in Ukraine offers valuable insights not only to our struggles but also to many biblical texts. During the past period of peace in Europe, our struggle here in CEE might have looked as if we have been battling just for more classrooms or fundraising money for reconstructions to have proper infrastructure. Yes, we were doing that, but this is not our ultimate goal. As it is written in Ephesians 6:12

“… our struggle is … against the powers of this dark world
and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Yes, our struggle is essentially spiritual, and all the infrastructure is just a necessary means to fight evil. CCE has been involved in this struggle ever since its beginning, and this present war clearly reveals how crucial this spiritual struggle is. For if we neglect fighting evil in times of peace, then evil gains strength and opens fire as in Ukraine. Therefore, our struggle in peaceful times is as important as it is now when we face the war, help refugees, and hear about all the crimes. The momentum of help the outburst of the war created must be kept up. Even when the war ceases, evil remains alive, so our fight must go on! Jesus’ resurrection is the guarantee that it will be victorious. Continue reading →

How many times have you heard Jesus’ words (Matt 25:35-36):

“I was hungry and you gave me food,
I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,
I was a stranger and you welcomed me,
I was naked and you gave me clothing,
I was sick and you took care of me,
I was in prison and you visited me”

Personally, I have read them many times, but I have never thought that they would encompass intensively our daily lives here in CCE and LAMS. These words came usually to my mind when I was occasionally helping a few homeless Slovaks from Martin. However, with the Russian aggression and thousands of Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia, these words have become a daily routine for many of us. Our volunteers in three-day shifts serve refugees with food and something to drink after they cross the border having escaped bombing with only small backpacks. We arrange housing, transportation, food, and clothing for them so they can finally settle in peace without hurrying to bomb shelters. We help them with Slovak temporary documents, placing their children in schools, finding them jobs, and listening to their stories among many more important ways to help. Thanks also to your support, we can help these people who are in real need.

because of the war, Slovakia is one of the countries where Ukrainian refugees seek their asylum. These people are in a great need so we as individuals and as institutions are doing our best to help them.