On January 23, 2017, Evangelical School of Theology hosted a meeting during the annual Week of Prayer for Unity of Christians.

This year the theme for the entire week was “Reconciliation – the Love of Christ compels us” from 2 Corinthians 5:14-20. The meeting at EST once again reflected on relationships with other people – “my neighbor”. 

The speakers during the evening were Dr. Professor Alicja Chybicka, a leading doctor in Poland specializing in children’s oncology. We also invited a member of the Polish Parliament, Slawomir Piechota, fighting for the rights of disabled people in Poland. Also, on the panel discussion was Mr. Igor Salamon, the head of the Ukrainian minority in Wroclaw and Lower Silesia. There are now more than 50,000 Ukrainians in Wroclaw and the surrounding region. EST asked the Lutheran Bishop Ryszard Bogusz to coordinate the panel discussion on the topic “my neighbor”.

Bishop Bogusz asked the panel about their own experiences stemming from their commitment to help different groups of people – sick children, people with disabilities and immigrants from Ukraine. The panel members made the event very interesting as they shared their stories, told us about their ministries, the people whom they serve, their faith and spiritual inspirations. They shared with us their successes and failures and told us about the challenges they face every day in their efforts for other people. We all laughed and cried during the evening and were astonished how God can wonderfully inspire ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.

Those attending the meeting were moved by the speakers and their examples of the victory of good and love in difficult moments. There were also references to personal faith, expressions of trust in God and devotion to people.

After the formal part of the event, many people continued talking and sharing their own stories of serving other people. We hope to continue with this ministry of reconciliation in our wounded society. We want to be good servants of God and his love for people.