A Combat Medic's Farewell &
Answered Prayers
As we celebrate the importance of freedom this July, our hearts are filled with deep gratitude for your friendship and unwavering support. Living in Ukraine, we understand the cost of freedom more than ever. Thank you for standing with us in this struggle, protecting us with your prayers, and investing in the future of our nation.
Here in Kyiv, the iconic Motherland Monument was recently illuminated with the colors of the American flag - a breathtaking symbol of unity and shared hope for a future of peace.
A Massive Answer to Prayer
We want to start with a shout-out of praise: God has provided our ministry vehicle! Thanks to your incredible generosity and prompt support earlier this year, we were able to purchase a car. It has already become a vital tool for our "ministry of presence."
The Road to Lviv & Kyiv
This trip was incredibly special because I traveled with Sasha - my close friend, my former mentor who first shared the Gospel with me back in 2014, a combat veteran who lost his foot to a mine, and now a new member of my new military ministry team! We were also joined by our dear friends Jeff and Daniela Bergmann. Together, we visited returning veterans, established new ministry contacts, and recorded a special podcast designed to offer spiritual support to veterans and their families.
Divine Encounters: Valeria
On our way from Lviv to Kyiv, we experienced a moment that we will never forget. We picked up Valeria, a 24-year-old girl from Sasha’s church who has volunteered to serve as a combat medic. We picked her up directly from her parents' home and stood as silent witnesses to her farewell with her father.
As a father myself, I cannot begin to comprehend what goes through Valeria's father's heart when he hugs his daughter goodbye, sending her to war. Valeria is incredibly brave; she has spent years as a volunteer medic on the front lines, but this transition to official service is a heavy road. Please keep Valeria and her parents in your prayers.
The Power of Spiritual Discipleship
This trip reminded me how beautiful and vital spiritual mentorship is. Years ago, Sasha invested his life in me when I was far from God. Today, by God's grace, I have the privilege of mentoring students in Odesa, walking with them through their doubts, fears, and joys. It is a deeply joyful process of discipleship. Seeing these young lives transformed by Christ is the greatest joy of our ministry.
Yaroslav's Journey
We met with Yaroslav after the hike. He's open to getting together and talking, but Christianity currently feels complicated and confining to him. I believe that it's through love and presence - not pushing arguments or proof - that a person can discover the meaning and joy of a relationship with God. So we keep meeting with him and building that closeness.
Even so, Yaroslav is still actively reflecting on and processing his faith, and we're maintaining a very close, trusting relationship. Please pray that his heart would fully surrender to Christ.
God’s Care in a Hospital Ward 🏥
Recently, one of our active students, Danya, suffered a severe bicycle accident. He ended up in the hospital with a very complicated bone fracture and faces a long, difficult rehabilitation.
When I went to visit Danya in his hospital room, I noticed a familiar symbol: "The Four" (our team's primary tool for explaining the Gospel in four simple symbols). I asked him where he got it.
Danya smiled and explained that a military chaplain had visited a wounded soldier in his ward and, seeing Danya there, handed him a food package that included spiritual literature and "The Four" bracelet!
It is a testament to how God’s care and the uniqueness of His ways work.
Danya is already home now and going through rehabilitation. And I'm amazed at how Seraphim is taking care of him - he visits and helps him so often! Praise God for these guys.
Nazar's 2nd Birthday! 👶
Nazar is Two! Right after our last update, our sweet son Nazar celebrated his 2nd birthday! He brings an indescribable amount of laughter and joy into our lives, even during Odesa’s tense nights. He is growing so fast, and we are so grateful to God for his safety and health.
Step with Us Into the Next Season
The last 29%
As we step into this critical transition - pioneering our veteran outreach in Odesa while continuing to lead our student ministry team - we are looking for partners to help us close our remaining support gap.
Every day of counseling, base visits, and student mentoring on the ground is made possible because a dedicated team of monthly partners stands with us. Will you join our team?
To serve at 100% capacity, ensure our family’s security, and cover administrative costs, taxes, and ministry operations, we have updated our monthly operational budget.
$1,804 of $2,536/month - the last 29% puts us at full capacity
This 30% financial margin is a vital safety net that keeps our daily ministry in Ukraine stable. Ultimately, this buffer provides financial peace of mind, allowing us to stay fully focused on reaching students and restoring veterans instead of worrying about constant budget stress.
Our Immediate Monthly Deficit (gap, including a 30% account buffer): $1,500
Fuel for two trips to the units every month
A full week of presence among veterans.
Family stability that allows us to serve full-time
No pressure - one-time gifts and prayer partnership matter just as much.
You're also welcome to view our full, detailed budget through the links below! Just request access and we'll gladly open it up to you - transparency matters deeply to us.
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:
Give Online
Securely partner with us via Cru
Приват24 або Monobank
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Отримувач: Місія "Україна для Христа"
Please, Pray With Us
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For Valeria: For her safety as a combat medic, and for supernatural peace and strength for her parents.
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For Danya: For complete healing of his fracture and a smooth rehabilitation process.
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For Yaroslav (Yarik): That his ongoing reflections will lead to a personal decision to follow Jesus.
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For our Support Raising: That God would bring new partners to close our $1,045 monthly gap.
Thank you for your beautiful hearts, your daily prayers, and for standing with us on this front line of hope!