The House of Mercy ministries is located in a small village just outside of Odesa, Ukraine. It is led by Pastor Nabil Babbisi and supported by the Odesa Church of the Nazarene. This ministry has become a beacon of light for over 40 individuals who have been internally displaced due to the war or need rehabilitation services.

House of Mercy is a home where men find refuge to recover from addiction, a safe place to live, and a path towards rebuilding their lives. The men who live in the house are actively involved in the local church, serving, learning, and growing in Christ.

Among those whose lives have been transformed by the House of Mercy is Vladimir, who was once trapped in the grip of addiction for 21 long years. Today, Vladimir stands as a testament to the power of redemption, having found support within the walls of this small house. He now dedicates his life to serving others, extending the same compassion and understanding that helped him find his own path to recovery.

Despite the challenges of limited space and resources, the spirit of generosity and compassion is evident in everything the ministry supporters do at the House of Mercy.

“Although the house is very full, we meet people on the streets every day who are in need of help,” explained Vladimir. “We want everyone to be saved.”

This remarkable ministry’s unwavering commitment to reaching out to those in society’s darkest corners underscores its mission.

Vladimir’s guiding passion finds its source in the grace and transformation that Jesus offers. “It’s not just about providing temporary shelter or rehabilitation; it’s about empowering individuals to reclaim their lives,” he said. “The House of Mercy isn’t just a house; it’s a nurturing environment where seeds of hope are planted and cultivated, fostering personal growth and transformation.”

Pastor Nabil elaborated on the ministry’s journey, particularly in the wake of the war that has ravaged Ukraine for over two years. As the conflict escalated, many families found themselves displaced, their lives uprooted by violence and uncertainty. In the midst of this chaos, the House of Mercy emerged as a sanctuary, offering not just shelter but also a sense of belonging and purpose.

“We had the House of Mercy and beds available,” Pastor Nabil recounts. “So we started housing as many families as we could.”

As the war wages on, the ministry continues to serve internally displaced Ukrainians by bringing them together once a week and cooking for anyone who needs food in the community. The group then goes beyond the walls of the church and the house to serve food in three different locations throughout the city.

It’s a testament to the resilience and compassion of the human spirit, turning adversity into an opportunity to extend a helping hand to those in need. But the work doesn’t stop there. Pastor Nabil and his team are tirelessly working to expand the facilities. They are building more bedrooms and creating additional space to accommodate the growing number of individuals seeking refuge and rehabilitation.

The House of Mercy is more than just a physical structure; it’s a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. It stands as a testament to the power of community and compassion. In a world often marred by division and despair, the House of Mercy shines brightly as a beacon of light, guiding the lost and the broken toward a brighter tomorrow.

 

More than two years of war:

An update on Ukraine.

Two years have passed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, and in that time period, countless people have crossed the border to seek safety and security in other countries. While some have been able to flee, others have decided to or been required to stay. The Church of the Nazarene continues to respond in both situations, serving the Ukrainian refugee population across Europe and supporting local Nazarene churches in Ukraine as they continue to minister in the midst of war.

Ukraine

The church in Ukraine remains faithful to the mission of the Church of the Nazarene to make Christlike disciples in the nations. In the face of war, crises, and high emigration, the church has partnered with NCM to continue to demonstrate “the light of the world”, echoing Matthew 5:14, in one of the darkest places in our time.

• Financial support allows Nazarene pastors and congregations to continue the work of discipleship, evangelism, and even baptisms.
• Three Nazarene churches have served as bomb shelters to provide a safe space for their community.
• Containers of food, clothes, and Crisis Care Kits have been sent to Ukraine to provide access to essential supplies.
• Summer Bible camps have served more than 1,500 children and 150 youth.

Poland

Throughout the war between Russia and Ukraine, Poland has been the country to receive the most Ukrainian refugees. All throughout Poland, Ukrainians have been seeking safe places to settle while the war is ongoing.

– In Przemyśl, where up to 50,000 people traveled through the train and bus stations daily, Nazarenes were among the first to respond.
– The church and NCM provided water, snacks, toys, a safe space to rest and care for families seeking safety.
– Nazarenes in Poznań offered community activities such as tea groups for mothers, classes for children, and art therapy for Ukrainian refugee families at Sweet Surrender, a Nazarene coffee shop.
– This led to the development of a community center where Polish and English classes were offered to allow for an easier transition.

Croatia

The Church of the Nazarene in Croatia saw the needs of its refugee neighbors and began to reach out and support them early on in the crisis.

– Church members collected donations for a refugee center just outside of the capital city.
– A church team visits the center two times each week, providing language classes and workshops for children as well as visiting for the elderly.
– In June 2023, the local church partnered with NCM, IKEA, and UNHCR to furnish rooms, create a children’s space, and provide outdoor seating.
– A spiritual and mental health retreat provided care for Ukrainian families and church members.

Romania

The day after the full invasion, Nazarenes in Romania mobilized to help transport people from the border, reunite families, care for pregnant women, and ensure the safety of minors.

– Refugees were housed at the church and other Nazarene or Nazarene-connected properties in Bucharest, Sighisoara, and Brasov.
– To increase the capacity of people they were able to host, over $25,000 worth of furniture was donated from IKEA to furnish Nazarene and Nazarene-connected properties.
– Donations of food, clothing, and other supplies were collected and distributed to waiting refugee families.
– The church also organized transportation for families reuniting in other countries. In February 2023, NCM supported a school for Ukrainian refugee children in Sighisoara.

– story by Crystal Gibbons, reshared from the NCM Magazine pages 10-13