As we write this, Ukrainians continue to endure grief, destruction and a daily fight for survival. The war has ravaged the country for over four years now, with no clear end in sight. Nevertheless, our teams in Kyiv and Odessa continue to serve faithfully amidst air-raid sirens, blackouts and devastating attacks. Even in these dark days, God's light continues to shine through His people, bringing hope, comfort and the gospel to many.
This past year, Ukraine has faced its most brutal winter since the war began. Bombings, drone strikes and missile attacks were intense across the country. Much of the bombardment targeted power, heat, water and gas infrastructure, leaving some homes without basic utilities, including water and heat, for nearly a week.
January and February saw unusually cold temperatures and harsh weather, with freezing rain coating roads, buildings and power lines in thick ice, making everyday life even more dangerous. The ice, as well as near-continual strikes, kept cities like Kyiv and Odessa in almost constant blackouts, often for up to 22 hours per day. The cacophony of sirens and bombings would sometimes rage all day and all night, making sleep impossible. Adding to these challenges, nearly every staff member and their families fell ill with severe respiratory infections at some point over the winter.
And yet, our missionaries remain devoted and resilient. Our Ukraine staff consistently carries out more than 100 missionary engagements every week. In the midst of attacks, sleepless nights and continual uncertainty, our staff press on with the gospel. This past year, they held over 7,000 gospel conversations with Jewish people, and seven people were baptised (six Jewish and one Gentile). Praise God!
Many of our ministry contacts in Ukraine are Jewish seniors who live in poverty and isolation. Regular visits and holiday gatherings are often a lifeline for this underserved demographic. Last December, two Hanukkah services brought 210 people together in the dark, illuminated only by hanukkiah candles and a few battery-powered lamps. At the end of December, two Christmas outreach services welcomed 260 people, many of whom prayed to receive Jesus. Another 250 people attended outreach services in January as staff spent the surrounding weeks visiting needy households with food aid and the hope of the gospel.
We also serve Jewish families struggling to raise their children against the backdrop of war. Our children's Hanukkah program welcomed 60 kids and their parents for a time of respite filled with games and laughter. Another Christmas-themed children's event drew 86 children and their families, made possible through the generosity of partner ministries.
Our Kyiv Branch Leader, Anatoli (Tolik) Emma and our Odessa Branch Leader, Leonid Vasserman, also serve as chaplains for the military. They continue to minister in near-frontline regions, visiting refugee communities and military units. Praise God, as He has protected them on every trip and is using these visits to plant seeds of hope.
One young Jewish soldier, Jarek,* joined a unit where Leonid serves as chaplain. He has been very open to spiritual conversations, especially after learning that his wife was diagnosed with stage III cancer. With three young children, he is overwhelmed, grieving and preparing to discharge from the army to care for his family.
During a recent conversation, Jarek shared with Leonid about the several instances God spared his life, recognising His protection. Leonid led him in a prayer of repentance, reconciling with God through Jesus, and prayed for Jarek's wife's healing and God's mercy over their household. Amen!
This crisis has also led many secular Jewish people to become curious about God and their Jewish roots. Missionary Victoria Negrimovskaya recently met with Mona*, a woman who had questions about the Jewish holidays and their spiritual meaning. This led to a discussion on repentance and God's salvation. Mona was deeply moved and surprised to learn that it was not the Jewish people who crucified Jesus but the sins of all humanity.
'I've never heard this before,' she said quietly.
Her heart was tender and open. Victoria led her in prayer to receive Jesus as Messiah. Praise God for drawing Mona to Himself!
Please pray for all of those we are ministering to in Ukraine: spiritual growth for Mona and Jarek, and healing for Jarek's wife. Pray for the ongoing situation in Ukraine and for peace and healing for her people. Lift up our Ukrainian ministry team for provision, protection and their morale. Pray that the light of the gospel will go forth in Ukraine despite such deep darkness and hardship.
*Names have been changed to protect identity.