Reflections from a Ukrainian pastor: “Blood can save lives”

UKRAINE – We received the following letter of reflection from Rev. Oleg Schewtschenko, pastor of Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC)’s partner church the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU):

“Blood can save lives!”

In recent weeks Ukraine’s defence forces have begun liberating Russian-occupied territories. Of course, this has led to casualties. Odessa hospitals began filling up with wounded soldiers. Then the city and hospitals began crying out for support, since soldiers were in urgent need of blood donations.

A couple guys from my church said they wanted to go donate blood, but couldn’t because of long waiting lists. I was pleased that large numbers of people responded to this need and call. These guys from my church inspired me, too. I called and went to the blood donation station. There were no empty seats; people were sitting, standing, waiting in line! I was surprised at how many young men were eager to support Ukrainian defenders.

I got to talking with a few guys in the line. When asked what they were doing here, one said, “At one point on the job, I realized my blood could save someone’s life.” He went on to talk about his work and the family he took to Poland.

“My blood can save someone’s life!” still rang in my head. You’re absolutely right; blood can save a life! I remember working in a hospital in Germany and saw people who had lost a lot of blood after a car accident being infused with life-saving  blood.’

“Blood really can save lives!” Almost interrupting the conversation, I echoed his words. “There came One Who firmly knew His blood could save. When He came, there was no line of those willing or able to help; He was alone. And He didn’t come to the hospital to give some of His blood into a plastic container, under sterile conditions, without danger to His own life.

He came and gave His blood to the last drop, even though it cost Him His life! He left His Father’s safe home and chose to come to earth, the place of battles and death. He came to defend and save His people. His blood brought forgiveness, strength, and eternal life to the world! This hero is our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. He came and gave His life on Calvary’s cross, just outside Jerusalem.”

“It’s a good ad for people to donate blood; I’ve never heard that before,” said a nurse who stopped next to us … interrupting the silence and catching the attention, not only of the young man, but of many others listening to our conversation.” Christ’s blood has saved your life and my life.  

— Pastor Oleg Schewtschenko

REMINDER: Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC)’s Ukraine Aid Fund directly supports our partner church, the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) during this current crises. Another aid fund for Ukraine established by Concordia Lutheran Mission Society (CLMS) will contribute to rebuilding efforts and other expenses, anticipating the significant financial need that will arise in the aftermath of this current conflict. As auxiliaries of LCC, the funds raised through CLMS, and Lutheran Women’s Missionary League of Canada (LWMLC) to name another example, will be directed to our partner Church in Ukraine through LCC. This is just one of the ways that the various auxiliaries, listed service organizations, and people of our Synod are working together, as one Body under Christ in support of humanitarian works of mercy. Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) is also working to provide general humanitarian relief in Ukraine through the help of their partner organizations.

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