An important objective for us while in Ukraine last month was to vet new ministries wishing to partner with HART. One ministry that caught our attention was one with a focus on ‘Children & Youth’ headed up by young adults (18-24 years old) from several churches in various parts of Ukraine.
These courageous young people, whose purpose is to bring light into the lives of hundreds of children, travel to villages in the de-occupied areas of Kherson (south Ukraine), in which the fields around the villages are mined, and Russian drones, bombs, and missiles are constantly flying overhead.
“Little children are singing while the sounds of explosions in a nearby village can be heard as it is being destroyed by the Russian military,” says ministry founder Anastasia.
Learn more about this inspiring ministry of young people serving children and youth close to the war zones. This new HART partner ministry is worthy of our prayer & financial support.
Significance of Ukraine’s Evangelicals
Ukraine’s evangelical community has emerged as a significant force during the ongoing conflict, distinguishing itself in two key areas:
Humanitarian Efforts. Ukrainian evangelicals have played a disproportionately large role in providing humanitarian assistance during the war. Their churches have been at the forefront of relief efforts, converting places of worship into refugee centers, evacuating IDPs to Europe, and distributing aid to those in need.
Political Influence: Ukraine’s political leadership has recognized the strategic importance of fostering strong relationships with the country’s evangelical Christians, estimated to number between 800,000 and 1 million. This sizeable community has become a valuable asset in Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts, particularly as a bridge to American evangelicals, who wield considerable influence within the Republican Party. By leveraging these connections, Ukraine hopes to bolster its lobbying efforts for continued U.S. aid and support.
Note: Presidential adviser Andriy Yermak has referred to Ukraine as the “Bible Belt” of Eastern Europe, highlighting the significance of this demographic. Ukrainian officials claim that their country boasts the largest evangelical community in Europe.
VIDEO: Mobile Home stories
Recently, HART’s team on the ground in Ukraine traveled to the south of the country near the war zones to revisit several of the recipients of HART’s Mobile homes. Each person has their own heart-breaking story, but there is one common denominator—their gratitude to God and all of you in HART’s Community in Canada and the USA. WATCH VIDEO
ARTICLE
President Zelensky’s Victory Plan
Ukraine’s Victory Plan Is Not a Call for a Russian Defeat but a Just and Lasting Peace. The Victory Plan is part of a global strategy to end the war, restore stability, and achieve peace on fair terms. The plan would protect Ukraine from aggression and strengthen its future security. READ MORE
ARTICLE
Russia Is No Conservative Haven
Christians must exercise vigilance and discipline in their approach to information, embracing the concept of ‘believing responsibly.’ Without this critical mindset, they may become vulnerable to misinformation, particularly that disseminated by Russia, whose propaganda machine has become pervasive and targets audiences worldwide.
A prime example of this vulnerability is evident in how segments of the Western populist right have been influenced by Vladimir Putin’s propaganda efforts.
One of the conservative myths about President Vladimir Putin’s Russia is that it is steeped in traditional values, a bastion of virtue standing in opposition to an increasingly godless West.
The contrast between myth and reality couldn’t be starker. The truth is that not only is Russia one of the world’s least religious societies, but it also has the highest abortion rates in the world… READ MORE
NEW BOOK BY PASTOR GENNADY PRYSIANKO
A LIGHT IN DARKNESS…
The following text presents Chapter One of a captivating series that chronicles the extraordinary journey and the spiritual insights Pastor/Chaplain Gennady has gleaned from ten years of serving soldiers and those living near the front lines of Ukraine’s war with Russia, which began in 2014.
This journal is both fascinating and inspiring. If there is sufficient interest in reading more chapters of this diary, please let us know, and we will gladly include them in future E-Blogs. READ CHAPTER ONE
CHILD SPONSOR PROGRAM
These two children need & want sponsors
Valeriia’s story
“My name is Valeriia, and I’m 8 years old. I live in a village. I have the best grandpa ever and an older sister! I’m in 3rd grade at school. I walk there. My favorite subjects are drawing, Ukrainian history, computer stuff, and English. Thank you so much, dear sponsor, for helping me and my family! Can you tell me something about you? I want to know more about you! I’ll be waiting for your letter!
Bye for now!” Val.
Caseworker Comments: Valeriia is a wonderfully curious and bright girl. At just eight years old, she shows a strong character and is very organized and disciplined. Val’s mother died, and her father deserted the family. A kindly grandfather and aunt look after Valeriia and her older sister. She attends Sunday school in a nearby village. Despite being poor – they live in an old house with an outside bathroom – the home is kept really clean. A sponsor would be a huge blessing to this little girl. READ MORE
Matvii’s story
Caseworker Comments: Matvii (Matthew) is three years old and is an energetic little boy who brings so much happiness to those around him. However, his family faces many challenges. He lives with his mother and two sisters in his grandparents’ home. His mother has had her children with different partners and leads a difficult life. His father’s whereabouts are unknown. Matvii’s mother often leaves the house, searching for new relationships, which means the children often rely on their 14-year-old aunt, who occasionally attends Sunday school in a nearby village.
They currently live in extremely poor conditions, facing a truly horrific situation. The house is not clean and is falling apart, with no heating system to keep them warm during the winter. The walls are cracked, windows are missing, and all six family members squeeze into just one room. The home needs serious repairs, new furniture, and a proper heating system to ensure the children have a safe and comfortable space.
Thank you for considering helping this little boy and his family. Your support can truly make a difference in their lives. READ MORE
Pray for Ukraine, Pray for Peace
Here are specific prayer points that can help guide our prayers for the situation in Ukraine. Please share these with your friends and family.
