News from
Kostia & Lana
Campus Odesa, Ukraine.
Dear friends, the past few months have been a whirlwind of challenges, but we have seen God’s hand guiding us through every storm. We want to share these specific testimonies of His care with you:
This picture isn't exactly 'pretty,' but it’s our reality. 😅
This is our third trip to the bomb shelter per night as enemy drones target our district.
Answers to Prayer and God’s Faithfulness in Uncertain Times
A Season of Rest
I am so grateful to God for the opportunity to spend a peaceful solo retreat in the winter mountains. It was a priceless time of silence and prayer that allowed me to recharge and listen for God’s voice before this next season of ministry.
Lana and Nazar’s Safe Return
We are finally reunited! Lana and Nazar have finally returned safely from Georgia! It was a long journey to get them home. We had to postpone their flight initially due to massive shelling, and then the airline rescheduled it again due to bad weather. In the end, they arrived a month later than planned, meaning we hadn’t seen each other for two whole months.
"It was surprising and touching to hear Lana say how deeply she missed Ukraine. Even though we have no electricity or heat, and despite the constant shelling, she really wanted to be home."
A New Fire for Ministry
Thank you for your constant prayers for our team. We are witnessing a unique spiritual awakening right now; both our staff and volunteers are exceptionally "on fire" for the mission. This renewed passion gives us the strength to push forward despite the external circumstances. We truly feel the Lord is preparing something special for our youth.
Gearing Up for a Busy Season
We truly feel the Lord is preparing something special for our youth. Here is how we are preparing for the new semester.
Seminary Training
We started the year with a powerful boost: our team underwent seminary training focused on Pneumatology, Hamartiology, and Anthropology. This theological foundation gave us great momentum for the new semester!
Strategic Planning
From there, we moved straight into planning for the rest of the winter, spring, and summer in Odesa — first with our staff, and then with our volunteers. We spent a few days away at a retreat house for a special time of reunion and strategic planning.
Packed Semester
Now, our semester is packed to the brim! We have countless personal appointments, a major English Club project with an American team that has become like family to us, and even an upcoming mission trip to Kazakhstan!
Reaping a Long-Awaited Harvest
I want to share the stories of three young men I am mentoring, with whom I’ve built long-term relationships.
First is Yaroslav.
He is a proactive student, deeply involved in social initiatives and volunteering. He joined our English Clubs when we launched that strategy back in the spring of 2025. Through that connection, I invited him to meet one-on-one to discuss worldviews — comparing different perspectives and highlighting the Christian biblical worldview.
At that time, after hearing the Gospel, he wasn't ready to go deeper or study the Bible together. However, he remained very respectful of our faith.
But here is the breakthrough: Recently, Yaroslav reached out to me on his own! He wrote saying that he wants to explore Christianity. This week, we are already having our third meeting dedicated to studying Scripture. Yaroslav is incredibly open to the voice of the Holy Spirit right now!
Next is Ilya.
He joined our movement as a volunteer during our first English Club back in 2025. Even though we come from different backgrounds, I immediately felt a kindred spirit in him.
Ilya grew up in a Christian family, but his life is certainly not without its challenges. We are currently studying the Word together, learning how to seek God in our daily lives, and serving other students side by side!
Now, he is fully engaged in the ministry and is one of the most active evangelists and leaders on our team!
And finally, Seraphim.
He comes from an Orthodox background and is the son of a priest. He joined us during our second English Club in the fall of 2025. Even though we come from different denominational backgrounds, we are both open to dialogue and truly listening to each other.
Our meetings are fascinating because we bring such different perspectives to the table. Currently, we are going through a foundational study for new believers, discussing Salvation, a personal relationship with Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Seraphim can hardly wait to finish the course so he can join the team as a volunteer and start serving alongside us!
Veterans
It’s not just about being a student. Of course, I also help out at veteran meetings, because these days — and especially here — it’s essential.
I’m truly happy to be part of a community of Christians who have gone through the war, kept their faith, and have so many plans for ministry. More projects to come!
Unfortunately, the war is still ongoing.
Despite all the hopeful international meetings, the end is not yet in sight. The enemy continues to rage, shelling peaceful neighborhoods and power stations. Lana, Nazar, and I feel this especially hard right now. Power might only be on for a few hours a day. We are so grateful for the EcoFlow you helped us get! We remember your support every day and pray for you with gratitude.
But this isn't about self-pity! We embrace these challenges because they make us stronger and allow us to truly understand the sorrow and pain our people endure. Almost every night we head down to the shelter — not in despair, but with hope in God. We continue to pray for the end of this war.
Please, pray for us
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For our safety and strength after these exhausting nights.
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For our team and our plans for this semester.
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For our friends from America who are flying in to host the English Club.
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For Yaroslav, for his repentance.
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For Illia and Serafym and their spiritual growth.
We are so grateful that you are standing with us. Your presence is felt deeply, despite the distance!
Partner With Us
We are so grateful that you are standing with us. Your presence is felt deeply, despite the distance! If you feel led to support our ministry financially, here is how you can do it:
How can we pray for YOU?
Partnership is a two-way street. While you hold us up in prayer during these difficult times in Ukraine, we want to lift you up as well. Please, don't hesitate to write back to us. What are your current struggles or joys? Let us fight your battles in prayer together.