Although Thanksgiving has passed, we still want to share this powerful report from Pastor Valentin in Ukraine, originally written just before the holiday. In the midst of ongoing war, air attacks, and deep hardship, God continues to work in remarkable ways—through compassion, provision, and unwavering faith.

This update offers a glimpse into how the church is serving those in urgent need, bringing hope to the vulnerable, and giving thanks to God even in the darkest circumstances.

From Valentin . . .

On this Thanksgiving Eve, I want to thank God for His mercy over us. Despite the war and the regular air attacks on our hometown, we are doing well. I am deeply grateful to all the countries and people around the world who continue to support Ukraine. And I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to you personally for your prayers and your faithful support. THANK YOU and Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I would also like to share some pictures from our recent ministry efforts. Our town, like most cities in [this] region, suffers greatly from drone and missile attacks. After every strike, our church strives to be in the very epicenter of the need. We respond immediately—coming to the site with aid such as blankets, food, and warm clothing. We also take part in physically helping people rebuild their homes. The latest attack happened just one block—about 0.1 miles from our church building. The pictures in my office fell to the floor, but praise God, no one was injured.

Over the past two years, Vira and her family faced many hardships, including her husband’s serious illness, which drained all their resources. Just two months ago, a drone attack severely damaged their home, leaving them without windows as winter approaches. Vira is one of many who receives practical help and prayers from our church.

Animals are suffering from the war too. After the massive drone attacks near our home a few months ago, our dog has learned to sense drones from a distance—and he starts crying loudly every time. Recently our town was hit again, and the moment the attack began, our dog, who normally stays outside, ran into the house and jumped onto the shoe shelf. He was terrified, shaking all over. There were several huge explosions, and he felt every one of them. 

We continue searching for resources to help the most vulnerable in our town. When we don’t have groceries to give away, we ask local farmers to donate any vegetables they can to help people survive the winter. We are grateful to the faithful farmers who are willing to open their hearts and support those in need.

Despite these hardships and needs, we have many reasons to be cheerful. We recently hosted a regional youth conference, and it was a tremendous blessing and encouragement to see over 250 young people gathered in one place, worshiping God and committing themselves to help rebuild Ukraine.

I continue serving pastors and leadership teams from 20 churches in our district. We hold regular meetings and build our plans together. As the mother church, we always strive to share our resources with these smaller churches to help them operate effectively and grow.

One of the most difficult yet most precious ministries in our church is our regular gatherings for the mothers and wives of fallen soldiers. Their pain is still immense, their lives changed forever, and we simply choose to be present—to walk alongside them and look for words of comfort and hope.

We call these meetings the Evenings of Hope. During these evenings, we invite these remarkable women to the church and do our best to serve them with love, care, and prayer. In our town, there are over 200 families who have lost their loved ones in the war, and many of them have become part of this ministry.

May God bless you!

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Amen!
Valentin.

In a time of great uncertainty, God is bringing help, healing, and hope to the people of Ukraine through SGA-supported pastors, churches, a seminary, and SGA-supported Compassion Ministry. Be a part of God’s incredible work with your generosity and prayer support.

Your gift of compassion helps struggling people with emergency aid that generally includes Scripture materials, food, and hygiene supplies.