For many children across Ukraine, Christmas through the SGA-supported Immanuel’s Child ministry is their very first encounter with the Gospel. But thanks to faithful local churches and the generosity of friends like you, that life-changing message doesn’t stop in December—it continues into spring, through meaningful Easter outreaches that build on the seeds planted at Christmas.

Here are two stories of how God is working in young hearts through the continued ministry of Immanuel’s Child:

Olga’s New Understanding of Easter

After being abandoned by her mother and enduring the trauma of war overhead, 11-year-old Olga found hope in the most unexpected place: Sunday school. She was first introduced to the Gospel at a summer Christian camp, then continued learning through the Immanuel’s Child Christmas outreach.

At Easter, Olga heard the rest of the story—Jesus’ death and resurrection—and her understanding of faith deepened. While her family once saw Easter as a time to visit graves and get food blessed, Olga now knows Easter is about celebrating the risen Christ. Her enthusiasm for worship, Bible reading, and prayer has grown—and now her brothers are joining her at church too!

Matvey’s Journey from War to Worship

Ten-year-old Matvey fled with his family from their war-torn city to the same village as Olga. Before arriving, Matvey he had never heard the name of Jesus. But after attending a church camp and experiencing Immanuel’s Child at Christmastime, his heart opened to the truth of the Gospel.

By Easter, Matvey was participating in church plays, singing songs, and learning about the Redeemer who died for his sins. He came to see Jesus not as a storybook figure, but as the living Son of God who died and rose again. He now speaks seriously about his faith, knowing that belief in Christ means new life—both now and forever.

The Story Isn’t Over Yet

Thanks to your support, children like Olga and Matvey are not only hearing the Good News—they’re believing it, living it, and sharing it. What begins with a Christmas gift and a message of Jesus’ birth continues with the life-changing story of His death and resurrection.

Please continue to pray for these young hearts, and for the local churches tirelessly following up with children and families—because the greatest story ever told is still changing lives, one child at a time.