TRAUMA HEALING RETREAT

Dear Friends, As you know, Russia’s war against Ukraine has now entered its fifth deadly year. Along with the rest of the population enduring constant missile and drone attacks, pastors and their families across the country are exhausted—physically, materially, emotionally, and spiritually—yet they continue to persevere in their calling to care for their congregations and serve their communities.

Meeting these pastors is an encounter with incredible faith, courage, resourcefulness, and resilience.

This July, we are planning to host our third Trauma Healing Retreat for another large group of pastors and their families, this time in the Kirovohrad Region of Central Ukraine. These retreats have become a powerful source of restoration and renewal.

Our team of pastors, Christian counselors, therapists, and volunteers has been deeply inspired through these healing experiences, and participants consistently tell us how life-giving this time of rest and restoration has been for them.

For one week, pastors and their families are able to step away from the constant pressure of war and enter a place of worship, prayer, recreation, rest, and deep conversation. Together, we listen to stories, share burdens, absorb pain, sing, cry, rekindle hope, restore vision, and renew strength. The transformation that takes place—even in just one week—is remarkable and becomes a tremendous encouragement for everyone involved.

Our ministry team of six people from the United States—including pastors and Christian psychologists—along with several local Ukrainian volunteers, is preparing for this important Kingdom work.

We are asking for your prayers and your financial support to help underwrite the expenses for this vital week-long gathering serving more than 130 Ukrainians who are pouring themselves out on the front lines of a spiritual battle for the well-being of individuals, families, villages, towns, and cities under siege.

Our goal is to raise $50,000 for this retreat and for continued investment in the Trauma Retreat Centers already established in Kharkiv and Kyiv.

Your prayers for the people of Ukraine—and also for the people of Russia—in the name of the Prince of Peace are timely and deeply meaningful. Your financial partnership in this mission is greatly appreciated, and we trust that its impact will be multiplied and expanded by the Spirit of God.

Thank you for standing with us in this urgent ministry.

With gratitude and hope,

Paul Minakov

Hope International Ministries