A three-day seminar, “The Mystery of Suffering: How to Care for People in Times of War”, was held at REALIS and led by Dr. Mark Meynell (UK).
About 70 participants joined — some on campus, the rest online. Together we searched for hope and strength in biblical texts amid the daily trials of war.
Already on the night after the seminar, a massive attack (over 800 drones and missiles) reminded us how real these themes are. Some of the seminar participants were directly affected. News also came from Semenivka, where homes and infrastructure were destroyed — the very place where the REALIS team is serving.
Importantly, the seminar did not try to give easy answers to difficult questions. It was a reminder that one can speak to God honestly, even about doubts. We do not always understand everything, but we understand enough to find support and move forward. In the church, there should be not only songs of joy but also songs-prayers of sorrow, as in the Psalms — so that everyone who goes through grief can recognize themselves. And sometimes the best thing we can give a friend in suffering is simply to be present.
We ask for prayerful support for the students and the REALIS team. Thank you to everyone who helps us bring aid and hope to those who need it most.
