Beyond the Sirens:
Mountains & the Cross
Hot on the heels of my last email! I know I just wrote to you a week ago asking for prayers for our men's hiking retreat, "Ascent: Carpathians 2026." But the trip was so profoundly impactful that I simply couldn't wait to share the story with you!
![[Mountains]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1eisF1UOrewN0s21W_g9fLbldBYbNJ43d)
This is exactly what we prayed for: 12 guys, breathtaking mountains, and deep talks around the fire.
Transformation in the Carpathian Mountains
What happens when you take 12 young men out of a city exhausted by sirens, blackouts, and the constant tension of war, and bring them into the silent majesty of the Carpathian mountains? Transformation happens.
![[Preparation 1]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1cpmWVA1-QvzKafOgc6ubslaGmMRtApmS)
![[Preparation 2]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1MQWyzszVnLKyQ01OIO1pjr6s9MHxOKJN)
![[Preparation 3]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1ejy5FdJvqfRf5yYHhIAaJTIevb5dpvUs)
Miracle of Provision
First, I want to say a massive THANK YOU! Because of your generosity, we not only met our $960 goal but exceeded it, fully funding the gear rental, tickets, and freeze-dried hiking meals for all 12 guys. The guys took this challenge very seriously — many even started running and training together before the trip.
![[The Hike 1]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1NUJjgS_pBgBsSd8p7ez-KVPFgfTVFK55)
![[The Hike 2]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1fPGnTCLb4qgXNgjDsvA3LP0bDeIHx_47)
![[The Hike 3]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1609NEuLSUcaQD2M308ysqjM4zIuEGW24)
![[The Hike 4]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1wJonizsWHhkB5WFKBqZ6uKGMsuX9NIPC)
![[The Hike 5]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1-dBG3RhG3jv5YavzKBHOSPM2CDDMx81P)
Brotherhood in Action
Our team consisted of 6 Christian volunteers and 6 spiritually seeking students. The physical challenge was huge, especially considering that only 2 out of the 12 guys had any previous hiking experience! For the rest, this was their very first time in the mountains.
It gave me a wonderful opportunity to mentor them practically, teaching them essential survival, camping, and navigation skills. From setting up tents to gathering firewood, the guys learned that true Christian leadership is about serving one another.
We established strict rules for the trail: no whining, mandatory teamwork, and the "Brother's Shoulder" rule, where stronger guys took weight from the backpacks of those who were exhausted.
![[Spiritual Program 1]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1TpaYuheIHKcLU8zigHnDxcKD7sGA19Mm)
The FOUR Dimensions
The physical challenge was just the backdrop for a deep spiritual reset. The program was built around the "THE FOUR" bracelet, focusing on a different dimension each day.
Day 1 (Others - The Heart): We escaped the "city noise" to reflect on our relationships, discussing how our search for love often leads to isolation.
Day 2 (Self - Division): We had a quiet time on the trail to look honestly at our own anxiety and the things we run away from.
Day 3 (God - The Cross & Question Mark): Around the evening campfire, we reached the core of the Gospel — the fact that God Himself stepped into our gap because we couldn't fix our brokenness alone.
Deep Conversations & Firm Foundation
The vulnerability around the campfire was profound, leading to life-changing moments.
![[Yaroslav 1]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1fpAtS8igBCas5tbCJzvVcmxtSTbXlNOV)
Yaroslav's Spiritual Growth
![[Yaroslav 2]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1BqutPGpsemE84TtnaU08EaCMaBZgBzCJ)
The Other Yaroslav
We returned to Odesa physically exhausted but spiritually renewed. This trip forged a strengthened brotherhood that will be the foundation of our ministry moving forward.
Family & Ministry Transition Update
As I shared recently, my heart as a veteran is increasingly drawn to serving our military. Until the end of 2026, I am balancing my time between leading this student team and laying the groundwork for a new veterans' ministry, before transitioning full-time to them in 2027. Lana and our son Nazarik are doing well, continuing to find joy and peace even amidst the unpredictable nights in Odesa.
![[Nazarik]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1d_0CVGTB9-zp4lTERsM-H6oMsooopTdB)
Please, pray for us
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Praise: For the safety on the trails, perfect weather, and the financial provision!
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For the two Yaroslavs: Praise God for the spiritual growth of the first Yaroslav. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will work through the doubts of the other Yaroslav during our upcoming meeting.
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For the Brotherhood: Pray that the unity forged in the mountains will translate into strong spiritual discipleship in Odesa.
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For my transition: Please continue to pray for wisdom and energy as I balance leading the student and veterans' ministries.
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:
Переказ через Приват24 або Monobank:
UA063052990000026004045007863
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