Vorzel in the front line

The last year has been full of the unexpected for Vorzel, Open Bible’s camp site to the north of Kyiv. It’s a story of courage, trust, community and determination and through it all a clear sense of God at work. Oksana Khimich shares some of what has happened since the start of the war in Ukraine and looks forward to hopes and plans for the summer ahead.

Many in Scotland know the Vorzel campsite, having visited or supported work there. No one expected it to suddenly become occupied territory when the Russians invaded Ukraine in March 2022…and then to be a focus for local aid, providing food, heat, safety and comfort for some of the most vulnerable people in the community.

In the first weeks of the war in Ukraine, Vorzel was occupied by the Russians. Nearby buildings were destroyed and it was a miracle that the camp building only suffered minor damage, such as broken windows.

For the two weeks of occupation the team and some local people were camping in the basement and from early on started to help neighbours. The campsite has a generator, a water supply and there were good supplies of food. People came to get water and charge their phones. Local people started to offer fuel to keep the generator running and people who were isolated or unable to look after themselves were brought to the centre… sometimes literally carried there on pallets!

An elderly neighbour who was brought to the campsite commented, 'It’s like heaven here' just because of the simple food and heat that were being provided. Other people said, 'This place saved our lives.'

For several months around 100 people were receiving hot meals at the campsite, with the cooking all being done on an open fire. While the local village had no electricity or running water, we were able to provide for the basic needs of nearby people. We distributed food supplies to the local area with many of our network of Open Bible volunteers focusing on providing help both to those at Vorzel and to the areas in the east of the country hardest hit by the conflict. By summer, things had improved sufficiently for us to be able to run a camp for local young people. We called it 'There is Hope' because even in apparently hopeless circumstances, God offers hope. Many of the children had experienced the occupation and many had fathers in the army and parents volunteering in different roles. They came to the camp wearing national colours and wanted to sing the national anthem, which we all did with enthusiasm… they also came with lots of questions about God.

Now, looking ahead to summer 2023 there are plans for two events at Vorzel, but there is so much to be done. Practically, we need to turn the basement into a bomb shelter and continue to repair and replace windows.

There are other kinds of deep damage too. I think of a young girl, Anna, who used to come to camp here and who tragically died in the war. She represents so many others… we all know of people who died. Of course, there are some positives too. Overall, the last year has brought us much closer to the community. We have stronger links with the church that meets on the premises and far more connections with local people. Some, who had found our campfires a nuisance in the past, are now our friends and supporters.

Our work elsewhere in Ukraine is very limited at the moment. Many of our volunteers have left the country or are in the army or involved in humanitarian work. We value your prayers as we think and plan for the future.