In a region of Ukraine deeply affected by economic collapse and ongoing war, God is using an SGA-supported missionary pastor named Valentin and his church to bring the hope of the Gospel to struggling families, displaced people, children, and the elderly. Their community—once sustained by seasonal work—has seen livelihoods erased and homes damaged by repeated missile and drone strikes. Yet in this hardship, doors for ministry have opened in extraordinary ways.

For Valentin, every day begins with people calling the church for help. Families share stories of loss, fear, hunger, and deep spiritual need. The church carefully records each request and invites families to special gatherings where they receive groceries and hygiene items provided through the generosity of friends like you—and most importantly, hear a message of hope from God’s Word.

Valentin writes that before any physical relief is distributed, men and women are welcomed into the sanctuary for a short time of “fellowship with the pastor.” There, pastors share the Gospel, pray for those who are hurting, and invite families to future services and ministry opportunities. Even after receiving their aid, many stay to talk, ask questions, and seek prayer. In these conversations, the Lord is softening hearts.

Through support from friends like you, the church recently purchased and distributed 500 bags of groceries, each filled with staple food items, sunflower oil, wipes, and hygiene supplies. Additional resources are already being packed for future distribution. These simple gifts are tools God is using to open doors for the Gospel and provide real encouragement to families in crisis.

And God is working. People who first visited the church for relief are now attending Sunday worship, enrolling their children in Sunday school, and asking questions about Christ. Some are returning repeatedly for conversation, prayer, or counsel. These fruits reflect the faithful ministry of believers who continue to serve even as their own nation suffers under relentless attacks.

Below are just a few of the people Valentin and his team have ministered to—real people whose stories represent thousands like them across Ukraine.

Oksana and Her Five Children

Oksana works full-time and is struggling to raise her five children alone after her husband returned from military service with addiction issues. The children often wandered the streets unsupervised—until the church invited them to a day center for at-risk children. Slowly, the children are opening up, healing, and becoming part of church life. A month’s supply of groceries provided has given them stability and hope.

Olga, Whose Home Was Destroyed

Another woman named Olga survived a ballistic missile strike only because she happened to be visiting her daughter when the attack came. Her home was destroyed, and her husband badly injured. She and her husband now live in a converted container provided by the government. Yet she remembers clearly that the first people to help after the explosion were believers from Valentin’s church. She has promised to attend a Sunday service in gratitude.

A Mother Fighting Malnutrition and Despair

During a home visit, Valentin met another mother named Olga who is raising four children alone. Severe food shortages left her malnourished, and her youngest child—only three years old—lost the ability to walk because of hunger. The church provided groceries, hygiene items, and diapers, and shared with her about God’s love. She told them she plans to attend church with her children.

Olena and Her Four Children

Olena works night shifts to provide for her four children. A drone strike shattered the windows of their small apartment, injuring one of the children. Even after another rocket attack shook their neighborhood recently, the church came alongside them with food, school supplies, shoes, and children’s Bibles. Her children have begun reading their Bibles, and Olena knows she needs God’s help to raise her family through the trauma they face.

Nikita, a Teen Wrestling With Loss

At just seventeen, Nikita is grieving the death of his father, who was killed on the front lines. He is caught between faith and doubt, yet he continues to talk with Valentin and sometimes attends church. His family is in deep financial need, and he expressed sincere gratitude for the groceries they received. These visits are helping him see God’s care during his darkest moments.

“We Are Truly Grateful.”

Valentin ends his report with a heartfelt message to friends like you:

“We are truly grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside you, and we are praying that in the future we will see the fruit of this ministry—souls saved for God’s glory.”

Despite war, hardship, and uncertainty, God is using SGA-supported churches across Ukraine to share Christ’s love—one family at a time, one conversation at a time, one bag of groceries at a time. He is turning devastation into opportunity for the Gospel.

Thank you for helping churches like Valentin’s continue this vital ministry in Jesus’ name.