The Beginning of Our Journey of Reconciliation
Our work in the field of reconciliation began in 2023 with a personal appeal — one that was both profound and sincere. Tetiana Leshkovych, who had carried the burden of her hometown Zabolotiv in her heart for many years, approached us with a request to help organize a gathering of repentance and remembrance.
It was in this very place, just outside the town, that over 1,200 Jews were brutally murdered during World War II and buried in a mass grave. This site became a painful symbol of loss, silence, and a spiritual wound long awaiting healing.
Tetiana learned about similar initiatives that had been taking place for many years in Slovakia and decided to take action. She contacted two individuals with deep experience in reconciliation ministry — Pavol Strežo and Hans Scholz. This moment marked the beginning of our own path in this important mission.
Hans Scholz and Pavol Strežo are longtime friends and ministry partners who, since 2012, have been organizing similar events across various European countries. In Slovakia, the Czech Republic, North Macedonia, and other regions, they have carried messages of repentance, hope, and spiritual renewal — as a response to the atrocities of the past. Their ministry has become a source of inspiration for us and for thousands of others.
Hans and Rita Scholz
Straubenhardt, Germany
Hans Scholz is a retired Lutheran pastor who, together with his wife Rita, founded the reconciliation ministry GGE Versöhnungsdienste S’LAMM, which is part of the German Evangelical Renewal movement. For over 20 years, their ministry has been dedicated to reconciliation between nations, especially in the context of Holocaust remembrance and the tragedies of World War II.
Pavol and Jana Strežo
Dolný Kubín, Slovakia
Pavol Strežo and his wife Jana are leaders of a charismatic Catholic community within the New Evangelization movement. Pavol also serves as the European Vice Director of the international initiative TJCII – Toward Jerusalem Council II, which aims to foster reconciliation between Christians and the Jewish roots of their faith. Their hearts are open to serving through repentance and restoration across many nations in Europe.
