Valentin L.
SGA-Supported Missionary Pastor in Ukraine

For over a year, we have been ministering to parents and wives of fallen soldiers who are grieving the loss of their loved ones. There are over 300 families in our small town who lost their dear ones on the frontline. Our goal is to help them navigate their grief and to find hope in Jesus Christ and the promise of the resurrection. For example, Juliana lost her stepfather in the war, so she personally understands the deep pain of grief and loss. As a psychologist, she led an art therapy session during our meeting, helping women find healing for their souls through creativity and art. Both Iryna and Olena recently came to Jesus after experiencing great loss. Iryna lost her only son on the frontline, while Olena lost her husband. They shared powerful testimonies about how God helped them move forward after their tragedies and gave them strength, hope, and purpose again.

Over the school break, many children from low-income families lost access to free meals from the government. In response, we organized a food distribution specifically for children. After we opened public registration over 1,000 children signed up in just two days! Last Saturday, we handed out 200 food bags to 200 people, supporting large families, families in need, and refugees from eastern Ukraine.

The war has also had a deep impact on orphanages. As the danger increased, the children had to be moved for their safety and many are being placed with families. Our church sees this as a ministry and we provide food to these foster families along with the Gospel.

Antonina, a kind woman from our church, opened her heart and home. Little Vanya came from a truly disastrous situation—his family was marked by violence, and he was taken away for his own safety. Vanya is deeply traumatized. He is afraid of people, always on the verge of tears, and only feels safe when he’s in Antonina’s arms. She took him and other children in, and she cares for them with all her strength. Every week, they come to our church services. Nastya, the older girl, has already given her life to Jesus, and she is now preparing for baptism.

We are praying for God’s continued direction in this ministry. Our greatest prayer is for this war to finally come to an end. We place our hope and trust in God regarding this situation. As we witness the pain and suffering that so many people in our country continue to endure, we pray and believe that God will bring this war to an end soon. I want once again to say thank you, and we appreciate your support so much!