In times of war, the calling of a missionary pastor is rarely quiet or comfortable. SGA-supported pastors in Ukraine are walking alongside families who have lost loved ones, calling congregations to worship and pray when safety is at risk, and continuing to proclaim the Gospel to touch hearts that are hardened.

This kind of long-obedience ministry does not happen without cost—or without community. That is why moments of renewal and fellowship matter so deeply. Recently this spring, pastors and ministers in western Ukraine gathered at an SGA-supported retreat for exactly that kind of moment.

Here is what Pastor Igor shares from this time of renewal . . .

On May 11–12, a fraternal retreat was held for ministers of the Ternopil Regional Association of Churches of the Evangelical Christians-Baptists (ECB). The gathering became a time of spiritual renewal, brotherly fellowship, and rest for the pastors and ministers of the region.

The main speaker of the retreat was Ihor, Deputy Chairman of the Ukrainian Baptist Union. In his sermons, he addressed topics that are particularly relevant today for churches and ministers amid the conditions of war and societal uncertainty.

The first sermon, titled “Darkness or Light: What Lies Ahead for Us?”, focused on the challenges of our time and a biblical perspective on the future. Ihor called on the ministers to:

• remain calm in God;
• remain united with their people;
• hold firm to strong biblical convictions;
• remain faithful over the long haul.

Special emphasis was placed on the fact that the triumph of light is not only a future event, but a spiritual reality that already gives hope to believers today.

The second sermon was devoted to pastoring in the midst of darkness, based on chapter 19 of the Book of Judges. Using one of the most tragic stories of the Old Testament, the speaker spoke about the calling of a minister to remain a light in a society filled with much pain, violence, and indifference.

Key emphases of the sermon included:

• radical hospitality—opening one’s home, table, and heart without conditions or calculations;
• compassion—taking another person’s pain as one’s own;
• readiness to defend the weak, even at the cost of personal danger.

Participants noted the warm atmosphere of the gathering, sincere brotherly fellowship, and the practical value of the topics raised.

Andriy shared that for him this meeting was a blessed time of spiritual reflection, fellowship, and rest:

“These days I had the blessed opportunity to attend the regional gathering of ministers from the Ternopil Baptist churches. It was a wonderful time that combined reflection on God’s Word, sincere brotherly fellowship, and rest.

“I sincerely thank the organizers, speakers, and every brother for the atmosphere of openness, simplicity, and acceptance. May God continue to bless our brotherhood with unity, and grant each brother wisdom, endurance, and faithfulness in ministry.”

Viktor P., Chairman of the Ternopil Regional Association of ECB Churches, emphasized that the retreat was a special time of restoration for the ministers of the region:

“These days we had a special time of renewal and fellowship for the ministers of our region. It was not just an official event, but a true retreat in a very warm and relaxed atmosphere.

“Special thanks to brother Ihor for his profound message. His messages touched on topics that are painful today and at the same time give hope. It was a balanced combination of encouragement—which we all so desperately need right now—and warnings that help us soberly assess the challenges of ministry.

“What resonated most was how sincerely Ihor shared living examples from his own life and experience. When theory is backed by the real journey of a minister, it inspires special trust. We are returning to our work with renewed strength and fresh thoughts to reflect upon.”

Anatoliy, the regional youth leader, also highlighted the importance of such gatherings for maintaining unity among ministers:

“In this time, for me this was a special opportunity to see fellow ministers, talk about what they are facing, pray for one another, and rejoice together in victories.“

This time was truly beneficial because Ihor raised very important and relevant topics for ministers. The opportunity to rest, reflect on the Word, and worship God was very filling and energizing for further ministry.”