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The Mennonite Benevolent Society

The Mennonite Benevolent Society was formed in 1945 with a range of goals, one of which is to establish facilities and programs to address the needs of families during sickness and infirmity.

The Mennonite Family Centre is located within three apartments on the main floor of this large apartment complex.

As a result, Bethania Mennonite Personal Care Homes was formed, and Concordia Hospital came under the umbrella of the new Society.

The Mennonite Family Centre – Ukraine
In the late 90s, Mennonite tourists travelling to Ukraine came back with stories of the hardships faced by the many vulnerable people of Ukraine, particularly seniors.

As a response, a feasibility study was conducted, and in
2002, the Mennonite Family Centre was formed in Zaporizhzhya and registered as a local charity in the Oblast of Zaporizhzhya. The purpose was to develop a model of senior care within the Ukrainian culture that could be locally sustainable, locally run, and could be replicated in other areas. This has become a major ministry of the Mennonite Benevolent Society.

Ukraine Update - November 28, 2024

It has been a while since the last update. The war is now in day 1008. I will briefly reflect on the state of the war and more on how it affects the programs of the Mennonite Family Centre.

The war is split into two parts, with the ground war, and the air war. In the air war, Russian forces can reach any part of Ukraine with rockets, and drones, and to a lesser extent, with bombs. Technology continues to evolve particularly in drone technology. Drones now are much faster and more accurate, and almost the weapon of choice. This is true for both sides. They are also much cheaper than conventional weapons, and more versatile. Because they are unmanned, there is less loss of life, even though the effect on the battlefield or in cities is much smaller. There are now almost no Russian aircraft flying over Ukraine, since they are very vulnerable, and many have been destroyed.

Many incoming drones are intercepted by the Ukraine military. Sometimes that means they are intercepted in the air, and other times it means the controls are taken over by the Ukraine military and the drone is redirected or “lost”. On the whole, there is daily destruction of buildings and the electrical and heating systems and also in lives, with many more injured than killed. The other effect is the loss of homes meaning relocation within the city or to safer ground inside the country.

In Zaporozhye the city has been hit many times. Our own Centre has been near enough to an exploding ordinance that windows have been broken, but we are grateful the Centre remains and none of the staff or clients have been hit.

In the ground war, Russian forces continue to push hard, while Ukraine defends. In 1008 days, Russian forces have been unable to break through the southern front line, which now is only about 30km from the city. But every day, there are many attempts to break through and the sounds of war are heard throughout the city. Air raid siren go many hours each day and some take the warning seriously and go to the shelters while many do not. The markets now remain open during the air raid sirens, while the larger institutions like the banks close for the duration.

The Home Care program carries on as usual with more clients coming, as we expand as we are able. It is difficult to hire more care providers because there is a need for workers everywhere, and fewer women are available for employment. Even buses and tramways are now operated mostly by women, since so many men are at war.

The Respite program is also ongoing, with six beds, which are always full.
For many years we have supported the work of “Prometheus” a school for children with special needs. This school has expanded with enrollment now at over 175 children. Many are now taking regular public-school classes. They have their own air raid shelter and all classes are in person, whereas the regular public school has been online since the beginning of the war. We are amazed at the success of this school in giving these children a chance in life.

Although the war has taken center stage in the country, there are many institutions functioning well. Seniors are still getting the normal pensions, street repairs are still being made, electricity is being restored as soon as possible following destruction, and the heating system, although delayed, is being supplied to everyone on the central heating grid. We are still able to transfer funds through the banking system, which is functioning well. Food is available in the stores and in the markets and there is no shortage of fuel. Inflation is high, and many people are suffering because they are unable to afford the cost of utilities, food and medications. Life is very hard, particularly for seniors. With the daily air raid sirens, drones and bombs, people are so tired and stressed and so ready for this war to be over. The stress adds to the vulnerability to viruses and influenza that are going around.

We are grateful for protection. Pray for the people of Ukraine. Pray for peace and for the many who have been displaced and are hurting, and for the families torn apart.

If you would like more detailed information, please call or email to 204-253-3631, or louiesawatzky8@gmail.com

Written by Louie Sawatzky

 

Ukraine Update - May 3, 2022

AS of this writing, Ukraine remains in a serious conflict with Russia.  Although the Ukraine Military was able to defend against a military takeover in Kyiv and Kharkiv and many other cities, there has been a lot of destruction, pain and suffering.  About 5.5 million people, mostly women and children have left Ukraine for Poland, Romania, Chechia, Belarus and other locations with that many more simply travelling further west but within Ukraine, for safety.  That means about 25% of the people of Ukraine have left their homes, many never to return. Many hope to return when it is safe to do so, but there may not be anything to go back to.  We will not go into the many details of war here, since this is available on the National News every day.

War leaves many victims and many scars, besides the loss of buildings and property.  Tensions are high, and the feelings of anger and the trauma of the many experiences will not go away easily.  It may take several generations, no matter how this is eventually resolved.  We hope and pray this will happen soon, but realistically, this situation may last for many months.

Zaporizhzhya has been turned into a fortress, with many checkpoints and barricades, and anti-tank contraptions.  However, Zaporizhzhya also has a fairly good defence system.  Many rockets directed at targets within Zaporizhzhya have been intercepted.  There has been damage, but it has been comparatively light, even though, on many days, there is the constant sound of war in the distance, mixed with the birdsong of spring.  People are going about daily life, alternating time in planting gardens and preparing for the summer season, and spending time in air raid shelters when the warning sirens go.  It is far from a normal spring, even in Zaporizhzhya.  Refugees from the eastern and southern cities continue to arrive in Zaporizhzhya, and are met at the refugee Centre in Churches and Schools, given shelter and the basic needs and often assisted in making their way to the rail station to continue the journey further west and safety.

The programs of the Mennonite Family Centre continue as much as possible.  There have been breaks in the program when curfews and added restrictions prevented the programs from continuing, but at the time of this update, all programs are being run fully.  We try to address the trauma and anxieties of our clients by being there and supporting them in their daily lives.  

To date, food is still available in the markets, although inflation is making everything even more expensive.  Medical supplies are not always available, but this might mean, people must take more time to search as to where they may be available.  Gasoline is being rationed and allows only 20 litres purchased at one time.   A general curfew applies to everyone from 7:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m., and extended curfews sometimes lasting for two or three days are imposed when specific dangers are anticipated.   During this time, you must be off the streets.  At all times all windows are blacked out for the night.   That is life in Zaporizhzhya in wartime.

We are grateful for protection for staff and clients, and generally for the people of Zaporizhzhya, while we mourn the atrocities in so many other regions.  It is hard to understand God’s plan, but we are confident He is in control.

 

Updated March 2, 2022

To all Supporters and persons interested in the Ukraine Ministry of the Mennonite Benevolent Society of Winnipeg.

Conditions in Ukraine have deteriorated rapidly.  For this reason, we are issuing an urgent appeal for support.  Many people are living in terror and many people are losing their lives.  Today, we are sending the following letter to all supporters of the Mennonite Family Centre.

The current war in Ukraine is devastating, affecting every aspect of life in Ukraine.  At the time of this writing, the whole country is living in conflict with Russia.  However, the will and determination of the people are amazing, and they cling to the hope, that they will prevail, and retain the freedoms they have enjoyed since they gained independence and democracy in 1991.  

Although there are few ethnic Mennonites currently living in Ukraine, there are many footprints of the days gone by, evidenced by the many homes in the villages built by Mennonites, still in use. This house is located in the village of Nikoliapol, (which once was the village of Nikapole and the neighbouring village of Franzfeld.