A volunteer involved in this ministry recently sent us a message explaining what they do and why this work is needed:
WHO ARE WE?
We are the people to whom no one says, “We are glad to see you.” We are also the people whom no one sees off with the words, “Hope to see you soon.” We deliver the evidence of grief and extinguish the last hope that there has been some mistake.
Most people know cities by their landmarks and tourist routes, restaurants and cafes. We associate cities with morgues and refrigerated trucks – places most people do not even know exist.
We are Evangelical Christians whom the Armed Forces of Ukraine have engaged as volunteers using specialised vehicles (refrigerated trucks) to transport the bodies of fallen soldiers or their remains to places of burial.
WHAT DO WE DO?
We do not simply transport the bodies of fallen soldiers. When necessary, we also examine the condition of the deceased in order to make a decision about whether the coffin should be open or closed during burial.
WE ARE THE VOICE OF THE CHURCH
We serve as the Church and on behalf of the Church. We believe it is our duty to remain with our people to the very end – even when that ending is filled with sorrow. Not only to send off and support our heroes, but also to help bring them home.
As the Church, we want to show our people that we suffer together with them and grieve together with them. And perhaps, after some time, they will want to hear a word of hope. Then we will have the right to tell them about Heaven.
CONCLUSION
We consider it an honour to accompany our heroes on their final journey.
Let us honour the memory of our fallen defenders and heroes. Let us, together with our prayers for Ukraine, honour those who gave their lives.
We need to involve the Church even more in this “ministry of delivering news of loss,” so that together with the grief, we can also bring hope to the families, relatives, and loved ones of those who have died.
P.S.
Do not ask us whether this affects our emotional and psychological well-being. No one will tell you.
Do not ask us how many we transported during a mission. One is a lot. Two are unbearable. And for three, I no longer have words…
Some missions are difficult and some are easier. Some are heavily loaded; others are overloaded. Some are short, others are long.
This is one of those ministries that you dream will one day disappear.