March 9, 2022 | Poland | Daniel Kluska, Polish Union Conference, and Adventist Review
In the first 12 days of the war in Ukraine, over 1.2 million refugees have crossed the Polish border to escape Russian aggression. The people of Poland, without any hesitation, have opened not only their hearts but also their homes to the refugees crossing into their country.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Poland also offered its help. The Adventist community of about 6,000 has prepared more than 1,200 shelters on church properties and in private homes. As of March 4, almost 400 people have benefited from their assistance, leaders reported.
Local churches and other halls have become storage rooms as members collect donations for Ukrainian refugees. [Photo: Polish Union Conference]
The Christian Charity Service “Blisko Serca” (Close to the Heart) has allocated two of its centers to receive refugees from Ukraine. Collectively, the Orion center in Wisła and the Polubie center in Zatonie are prepared to host more than 70 people.
Adventist centers have been adapted in just a few hours to shelter Ukrainians moving west as they flee their country and cross into Poland. [Photo: Polish Union Conference]
Younger church members are also engaged in the relief effort. The Adventist Scouting Association (ZHA) and the Pathfinders organized charity collections all over Poland. The response was huge. Sleeping bags, sleeping mats, blankets, pillows, duvets, hygiene products, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, diapers, medicines, medical aids, and heating stoves are already on their way. The donations were sent to the western part of Ukraine, in keeping with the migration of people coming from the eastern part of the country.
Pathfinders across Poland are collecting impressive amounts of goods to assist Ukrainians fleeing their country. [Photo: Polish Union Conference]
“It is impossible to describe the scale of activities that are carried out not only by the Adventist Church through its institutions but above all by individual members of the community and local churches,” church leaders said. “Many local churches have paused organizing Sabbath services while their premises currently serve as accommodation. A lot of people are sacrificing not only their finances but most of all, opening their own homes and welcoming those in need.”