In the story below, you will see why we are so excited about our Storyteller Ministry. SGA Storyteller Angela has faithfully been capturing God at work through many different channels, but recently her eyes and heart saw something different. “I decided to do a short interview with Ruslan, with a general overview of the situation with pastors and missionaries here in Ukraine. Hope this can be used somehow.”

She looked at a man behind the scenes. Ruslan M. is the director of SGA’s Regional Ministry Center in Ukraine. He is daily challenged with keeping the SGA-supported ministries strong and fruitful, equipping and encouraging the missionary pastors throughout the regions, and also attending to the business of running the ministry office.

The war continues to be challenging for he and his family as his wife and daughter have been forced to live in a different country due to the war. But he has still faithfully prepared his heart for each new day and has continued to serve the people of his country. Please pray for Ruslan to find joy as he holds much responsibility at a time when all those serving in Ukraine are weary.

As someone who knows and sees the big picture of ministry in Ukraine, Ruslan notes that it is evident how the churches in Ukraine have switched from “theoretically” trusting God to practically trusting Him, each and every day. For example, it isn’t always easy to focus on doing ministry in the morning if one hasn’t slept all night due to air raid sirens and explosions—yet, each new day is a new opportunity to serve and to know that God is still near.

Today, Christians all over the country are answering the needs of the time. A large portion of the churches have “awakened” and are doing much more for the society and for the kingdom of God all over Ukraine. As the suffering and grief of widows and orphaned children keeps growing—Christians are near and serve as the hands and feet of Jesus.

Ruslan also notes that God is working through Ukrainians outside of the country as well. Thousands have fled to Europe and the West, and God is working through them as many new churches have been planted and the seeds of the Gospel continue to be sown in hundreds of cities.

When asked what keeps faith fueled, Ruslan answered, “Truly, if I didn’t believe in God and didn’t read the Bible, I’m not sure what I would do. I start my day with Psalms—and there is always some encouragement in there for each day. I also write in my journal daily, and this helps me to stay focused as I put my trust and hope in God. Because even when everything around me is terrible—God is still good. He is still here. When we don’t see it all —God is still holding everything in his control . . .”

The church in Ukraine is grateful for what God is doing through prayer. And at the same time, the church continues to need prayer. Today, Ruslan notes a simple request: Joy. One thing that has been evident is the fact that weariness steals joy. The country is tired, and the Christians are too. Pray for joy in every new day and the strength and perseverance to continue serving and living in the midst of the dangers of war.