The Sopot Church of Christ Refugee Center
What we're doing day to day
After nearly three weeks in Poland, our new ministry efforts are finally beginning to come together. I can’t say we’re finding a new normal just yet, but I think we might be headed in that direction.
The initial chaos of getting everything started and organized does seem to be stabilizing, so I feel comfortable telling you that you can expect to receive these email updates much more frequently from here on out. I apologize once again for the silence.
Getting Started
In less than two weeks, the Sopot Church of Christ has housed 76 refugees (my family included). The first few days after our arrival were spent getting the entire lower level of their building set up to receive Ukrainian brothers and sisters. So many people came together to help. A shower and bath were installed in the restrooms, as was a new washing machine. Thirteen bunk beds from Ikea were ordered along with pillows and blankets. And the community began bringing all kinds of supplies.
The First Visitors
People began to arrive on March 2. I shared this on our Telegram channel:
Our first refugee arrived to Sopot this afternoon. Except it wasn't a refugee. It was Tanya. Tanya from Kharkov. She's not a refugee is she? What in the world is going on here?
Katie and I met her at the train station and exchanged long hugs and a few tears. It felt so natural to see her, and yet altogether out of place.
From there we have had a steady flow of people coming in. Most have been from churches in Kyiv, and many from our own congregation. Every now and then, when our hearts are distracted by all the busyness, it almost feels like we’re at some retreat together somewhere. And then the truth hits you and you remember what is really going on.
What We’re Doing
Refugees who come and stay with us are given a warm bed, a shower, and food. We have had to deal with a few days of overflow and were forced to find a few weekly rentals in the area to help with that.
Many have been traveling for days in terrible conditions, so everyone is encouraged to rest and catch their breath after they arrive. But they are also counseled to start thinking about where it is they want to settle for the next several months.
Some arrive on their way to somewhere else. They just want to be with us for a few days before continuing their journey. Others come with no plans and want to consider all their options. For those that have in mind to move somewhere else, the sooner they can get there and register as refugees, the better. Some cities and countries are only allowing a certain number of Ukrainians, and so we try to help them get the information they need, including making connections with churches in other countries.
For those that decide to stay in the area, we are helping find apartments to rent and will pay for the cost to do so for the next 3–6 months. During that time, the Ukrainians will hopefully have an opportunity to find work, but we will continue to help them in whatever needs they might have (including providing meals for them here at the church building).
Ukrainians are currently allowed to travel on public transportation for free, and when they register with the city here they get access to more help like medical care. Some have even been given their own place to stay from the city itself.
Everything that’s been accomplished so far has been paid for by the donations made through Sunset’s Global Ministry Relief fundraiser, as well as funds sent through the College Church of Christ in Arkansas (the Dawidows’ sponsoring congregation) and help given through the efforts of Jeff Abrams and his congregation, the Tuscumbia Church of Christ in Alabama.
Welcome Committee
Our days have been long and challenging, but one spark of joy is welcoming those who arrive. The train station is just a ten-minute walk from the church building, and when our friends finally arrive to Sopot, I love being the first to hug them. There is such a palpable sense of relief for them and for us.
Bogdan and Olya arrived a few days ago. They had been on the road for over a week. They were fleeing from Kharkov after several days of shelling in their neighborhood. It's a tough trip for anyone, but having a child with special needs made it even more so.
Next Time
In a few days I’ll share more about our where our UBI staff and students are and about what they are doing now.
Thank you all so much for your unwavering support of UBI during this very difficult time. We love you and appreciate your partnership more than you can know. May God bless us all with the ability to continue helping our Ukrainian brothers and sisters who are suffering so much.
I’ll leave you with the update I shared on Telegram yesterday. Despite all the challenges, God blesses us with reminders of how wonderful He is and how wonderful it is to be a part of His family.
We had a very good day. Last week, we still only had a handful of Ukrainians with us, so today was our first big Sunday all together.
The Sopot congregation went out of their way to make us feel as much at home as possible. They arranged for us to sing a few Russian and Ukrainian songs, Bogdan helped lead the Lord’s Supper, and when I preached, it was translated first into Polish and then into Russian (having two interpreters at the same time was a first for me).
After worship we enjoyed a wonderful fellowship time together, and the church arranged a birthday cake for one of the girls (and we sang birthday songs in three languages). A little while later we had a Russian-language devotional, and the acoustics in the auditorium made it extra special.
Praise God for so many blessings today. Praise God for the family we have in Christ!
Until next time,
Brandon Price
Thanks so much for the information. May God continue to be with you ❤️❤️
Thank you so much for sharing with us. May God continue to bless you. We are anxious to see information from those that worked at UBI since we know some of them when we were the liason for Jay Don and Mary Lee Rogers.