"VALERIIA CHORNOBAI has a PhD in theology from National Pedagogical Dragomanov University, Kyiv, Ukraine. She lectures in Christian ethics, sociology, and social work at multiple theological institutions in Ukraine, has served as assistant pastor at the Evangelical Christian Church, Dnipro, Ukraine, and has led multiple seminars and workshops for evangelical churches seeking to better understand and help members cope with loneliness. VIKTORIIA HRYTSENKO has a PhD in social pedagogy from Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University, Ukraine, and has worked as a lecturer and academic adviser for both Christian and secular institutions. She was an author and designer for ""Each of Us Is Unique: A Training Program for Overcoming Students' Loneliness"" and has led numerous workshops and seminars helping evangelical churches understand and combat adolescent loneliness."
Over the last couple of decades I have watched, with excitement and delight, the emergence of a generation of highly gifted Ukrainian evangelical theologians and reflective practitioners. This book is written from within their context and is the fruit of over a dozen years of pastoral encounters, and careful study and analysis. It places the two authors in the top rank of Ukrainian evangelical thinkers and puts us in their debt since the problem of loneliness is not one restricted to their own Slavic world. Stephen Dray, PhD Executive Committee Member, Fellowship of European Evangelical Theologians Baptist Minister (Retired), UK In this modern time where constant access to others is easier than ever, loneliness is still on the rise. Better than One will equip you to analyze and understand loneliness, whether you are single or married. This in-depth study will be an eye-opener on loneliness throughout the Bible, history, and philosophy. A valuable resource for both married and single Christians in understanding loneliness and addressing it. Marion Jongkind Counsellor This book will be a deep source of understanding and comfort to the Christian in their relationship with God. It will also be of importance to anyone who has a personal or scholarly desire to widen their depth of appreciation of what it means to not just exist, but to heal and grow through loneliness. Sally Kendall, PhD Professor of Community Nursing and Public Health, University of Kent, UK This well-written and informative piece of work will prove to be a very useful tool to individuals, families, and churches for deep reflection on the different kinds of loneliness that can impact people's lives. This feels like a very timely book in an increasingly relationally fractured age. Stefan Liston Pastor, Revelation Church, London, UK Better than One offers an in-depth theological and psychological study of loneliness that will be crucial in my own context of Ukraine and any other context marked by war. Valeriia Chornobai and Viktoriia Hrytsenko consider loss, suffering, and pain, as well as identity confusion, rejection, and broken relationships. Written from a Ukrainian perspective, this brilliant book equips Christians everywhere to help carry their own and others' burdens. Helga Marchak (Dyatlik) Associate Regional Director, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Overseas Council - United World Mission We were created in relationship, through relationship, and for relationship. However, in today's post-COVID reality, the aftermath of isolation and its often silent companion, loneliness, have created a tsunami of consequences impacting mental, emotional, and relational health across the globe. The timely release of Better than One offers a well-researched and much needed resource on this critically important topic. Readers will find a message of biblical hope and practical help across its pages, and a pathway of discovery to greater and more meaningful connection with others. Eric Scalise, PhD Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Hope for the Heart