Summer 2026
Reflections from Ukraine
From thousands of miles away, war can seem like a distant story of destruction, politics, borders, and military strategies.
But when you walk through a country at war—when you sit with chaplains, pastors & wives, IDPs, or soldiers, and listen to their stories, and look into the eyes of those who have lost so much—you begin to see war very differently.
War has a face.
It is the face of a mother grieving the loss of her son. A child waiting for a father who will never come home. A widow suddenly left to raise three children alone. A father burying his child. A pastor comforting another grieving family. A wounded soldier learning to walk again.
War destroys homes, separates families, steals childhoods, creates hatred, and leaves scars that can endure for generations.
We can debate the politics surrounding war. We can argue about strategy, history, and what governments should or should not do.
But Christians must look beyond the political arguments to the shattered lives beneath them—and recognize a simple, sobering truth:
War is evil.
And wherever evil produces suffering, followers of Jesus have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to respond with good. As Paul writes: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” — Romans 12:21
Perhaps this is one of the most important questions facing us today: in the midst of so much evil, how can God use you and me to overcome some of it with good?
We cannot stop this war ourselves. But we can decide how we will respond to the suffering it creates.
We invite you to read the following reflection and consider what it means for each of us to “overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).
- War is Evil
- We Must First Call Evil What It Is
- Overcoming Evil with Good
- What Does ‘Good’ Look Like During a War?
- Evil Will Not Have the Final Word
- You Are Part of God’s Answer
Thank you for standing with Ukraine!
With heartfelt gratitude,
Lloyd Cenaiko
President & Founder
Where Children Run from Drones to get to Camp
Summer Camps in the Shadow of War
We recently met with Pastor Zhenya, an extraordinary HART ministry partner bringing the joy and hope of summer camps to children across southern Ukraine—some in communities dangerously close to the front lines.
He described life in the Kherson region (southern Ukraine) as terrifying, with civilians living under the constant threat of deadly drone attacks. Yet, remarkably, the churches continue reaching children.
In the “kill zone” areas, there can be no advertising or social media posts announcing a camp. Instead, church volunteers quietly divide villages into small districts and personally contact parents, inviting groups of just 10–15 children at a time for 1.5-hour camp sessions.
Even getting there can be dangerous. Children, parents, and volunteers have to hide from drones by moving from tree to tree—“shade to shade”—before slipping unnoticed into a house, garage, church, or other building being used as their temporary camp.
Everything must remain flexible. Camp locations and schedules are constantly adjusted according to drone activity and bombardment. Zhenya explained that a village can suddenly endure several days of relentless attacks. Then, when the shelling subsides, church volunteers recognize a precious window of relative calm—and quickly resume their ministry to the children.
Sometimes danger arrives in the middle of a Bible lesson or craft. When alarms sound or incoming missiles threaten, volunteers quickly get the children into a cellar or shelter. When the danger passes, they simply bring everyone back upstairs…and continue camp.
Parents will often accompany their children because of the danger. This has unexpectedly opened another door for ministry. While children participate in activities, church volunteers gather with parents nearby—sometimes simply sitting together under the trees—listening, encouraging, praying, and building relationships.
Our partners describe these camps as a form of therapy.
Bible lessons, crafts, games, sports, snacks, laughter, and friendship provide children with something war has stolen from them: a few precious hours of normal childhood.
Further from the front lines, the contrast is starkly different. Children dance in the sunshine. Bouncy houses are inflated. Cotton candy is served. Laughter replaces the sound of explosions, if only for a little while.
This is why summer camps matter.
Please pray for our courageous partner churches conducting camps under these extraordinarily difficult circumstances. Pray for God’s hand of protection over every child, every parent, every pastor, and every church volunteer.
And pray that in the midst of fear and darkness, these children will experience something even more powerful—the love, peace, and hope of Jesus Christ.
VIDEOS
Camps Are in Full Swing!
Right now, thousands of Ukrainian children are experiencing the joy, hope, and healing of summer camp—because of you! Pastor Roman opens the video by thanking HART for assisting with this youth camp.
Russian drone chases street vendor in “human safari” attack
Extraordinary moment as a Russian drone attacks a Ukrainian vegetable seller. He is obviously not a military target. Miraculously, the man was injured – but lived!
Education Scholarship Program
Each year, HART helps more than 100 young Ukrainians pursue university or vocational training.
Your support is doing far more than helping a student earn a degree or learn a trade. You are opening doors to a brighter future—and equipping young people to become doctors, teachers, pastors, tradespeople, ministry leaders, and professionals who will serve their churches, strengthen their communities, and influence the next generation.
Your investment today will continue bearing fruit for years to come. Thank you for helping these young people build a future filled with hope, purpose, and opportunity.
Scholarship Recipient: Dr. Andrew Tkach
Serving Those Who Serve Ukraine
How your support helped a young surgeon bring healing and hope to Ukraine’s wounded defenders.
In a war-torn front-line hospital, young surgical intern Andriy Tkach tends to Ukraine’s wounded heroes—soldiers with shattered bodies but unbroken spirits. His story is one of resilience, answered prayer, and the healing power of faith and skill. Read how your support helped him pursue his calling in the operating room.
During a brief five-day furlough from the front lines, we had the privilege of spending an evening with Andrew in Lviv. He is a gifted and compassionate young Ukrainian doctor whose days are devoted to saving the lives of wounded soldiers—and whose heart is equally committed to sharing the love and hope of Christ with them.
We invite you to get to know Andrew and discover the remarkable personal story behind his service and your role in it. Please keep him in your prayers as well.
EVEN IN THE RUINS
His church was seized by the Russian military. His home was destroyed. His community was scattered. But Pastor Mark Sergeev refused to let war destroy his faith.
EVEN IN THE RUINS follows a Ukrainian pastor and frontline chaplain as he rebuilds his ministry and continues serving soldiers, displaced families, and communities devastated by Russia’s invasion.
Mark’s remarkable story reveals a faith that does not depend on buildings, safety, or circumstances. War can destroy the building where a church gathers. It cannot destroy the Church.
THANKS TO YOU
Supporting churches near the front lines
Greetings, dear brothers and sisters at HART!
Thanks to God and your dedicated, sacrificial hearts, our church team from Lviv was able to visit Kherson and serve destitute people in this community.
Unfortunately, the situation in Kherson remains incredibly difficult – for over three years now, Russian drones have been openly hunting civilians, and the city itself is being devastated by vicious Russian shelling. Around 60,000 people still remain in Kherson and are in desperate need of assistance.
However, the terrible realities of war have made people very open to the message of the Gospel. Amidst this human evil, God is working miracles, saving souls for eternity. On this day, over 450 mostly unchurched people were blessed with packaged food & products.
Your prayerful and financial support enabled the residents of Kherson to see and feel God’s love firsthand. May God richly bless you.
Pastor Oleh and his Team
Pray Together with Your Church, Family, and Friends for:
- A just and lasting peace — that light would overcome darkness.
- Defenders, veterans, prisoners, and their families — for strength, protection, and hope.
- Christians and non-believers in occupied territories — for endurance under persecution.
- The safe return of kidnapped children & healing for broken families.
- Comfort for the grieving & restoration for the wounded.
- Protection of cities, villages, and civilians from relentless attacks.
- Global perseverance in standing with Ukraine during this long struggle.
- Wisdom and courage for world leaders as they confront tyranny.
