Transforming brokenness into something beautiful
Families scarred by war begin healing from trauma through faith and creative art therapy.16th January 2026
The Hidden Wounds of War
Every day, our team at Mission Without Borders in Ukraine meets people carrying invisible scars.
They have fled bombed cities. They have lost homes, livelihoods, and in some cases, loved ones. Many have witnessed the unthinkable. And though they survived, the trauma lingers.
According to The Lancet, approximately 54% of Ukrainians are now suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Ukrainian Health Ministry reports that the number of people seeking mental health support has doubled in the past year alone.
The war’s constant danger and uncertainty leave families trapped in cycles of fear and anxiety, taking a heavy toll on both mental and physical health. Our staff and volunteers pray daily for wisdom, strength, and resources to walk alongside those who are suffering — helping them take steps toward healing.
Piecing Together What was Broken
We hosted a special art therapy session at our office in Sarny for displaced individuals.
Inna, a volunteer from the “Healing Heart” project, guided participants through a powerful exercise: each person broke a ceramic cup — and then carefully reassembled it using gold-colored glue.
“The cup symbolizes life and its many experiences,” Inna explained. “Even though the cup is broken, it can be restored — just like us. Life’s challenges may change us, but we can be mended and made whole again.”
As shards were slowly joined back together, something deeper was happening. Participants reflected on their own pain — and the possibility of restoration.
Oksana, one of our Christian outreach workers, shared, “Many of those we serve carry deep wounds. These wounds need to be recognized and healed for people to move forward. While their past trauma cannot be erased, it can be managed in ways where it no longer defines their life.”
A God Who Restores
The broken cup became more than an art project. It became a picture of hope.
Just like the broken ceramic pieces, we, too, can be shattered by life's challenges. But by the grace of God, love, and support, we believe it's possible that those we serve can rebuild their lives and move forward with hope.
“We believe in a God who redeems and restores,” Oksana said. “With His help, these families can live positive, productive, and empowered lives.”
This small but meaningful session reflects our larger mission: bringing emotional, spiritual, and practical support to those affected by the war.
Through your kindness, brokenness is not the end of the story. Healing is possible. Restoration is possible. And hope is being rebuilt — piece by piece.
