Pastor Brings Hope To Spiritually Drained Volunteers
Andrew Moroz, a Ukrainian-born pastor now residing in the United States, has initiated the Renewal Initiative to support volunteers aiding Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion. As the lead elder at Gospel Community Church in Lynchburg, Virginia, Moroz felt compelled to assist his homeland when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Recognizing the toll on volunteers’ physical and spiritual well-being, Moroz devised the Renewal Retreat program during his visits to Ukraine.
The Renewal Retreat offers a sanctuary for aid workers outside Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, providing amenities such as catered meals, massages, and sauna experiences. Moroz identified the neglect of mental health support in Ukraine, stemming from a cultural tendency towards self-neglect ingrained during the Soviet era. With the retreat, Moroz aims to model a Sabbath amidst the chaos, offering aid workers a much-needed break to recharge.
Collaborating with local Virginia counseling practices, the Renewal Retreat also offers on-site counseling sessions to address trauma and stress experienced by aid workers. Moroz emphasizes the importance of self-care amidst crisis, noting the tendency for individuals to prioritize the needs of others over their own well-being. By providing a space for rest and rejuvenation, Moroz seeks to instill hope and renewal in the hearts of those serving on the frontlines of Ukraine’s crisis.
Funded through contributions from local businesses and churches in the United States, the Renewal Retreat embodies Moroz’s commitment to supporting his homeland and aiding those who sacrifice their own comfort to assist others. Moroz envisions the retreat as a beacon of hope amidst despair, offering aid workers an opportunity to breathe in the “oxygen of God’s renewal” and find solace in the midst of adversity.
Not all believers can contribute to every legitimate ministry serving faithfully as God individually ordains; however, all prayers are heard, and Father God’s coffers are universal in his church, so my prayer is still for your ministry and you to be blessed as you faithfully serve!