Unshakable Faith
If God is for us who can be against us? Romans 8:31
Hi Stepan, Pastor Serhiy is a HART partner in a southern Ukrainian town near the war zone. During the Russian occupation of his town, Serhiy stood alone as the town’s only minister or priest who would not abandon his congregation – putting his life and his family’s safety at risk to faithfully serve the Lord.
He and his wife actively assisted local residents by providing food, medicine, clothing, and offering spiritual and emotional support. In addition, he and his church helped recover and bury those who had died.
After Ukrainian forces liberated the town, even people who had never set foot in a church began attending services in large numbers. This story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of one individual’s unwavering faith in Christ, inspiring and changing an entire community.
It was a privilege for us to host Serhiy and his wife, Olena, at our Calgary office last month, just days before they were returning to Ukraine. When asked about their plans once they arrived home, Serhiy paused thoughtfully and said, “We really don’t plan for tomorrow anymore. We’ve learned to live in the moment that God gives us.”
They have since returned to their home in Ukraine, but made a recent trip to HART’s office in Lviv to stock up on supplies for their church’s ministries. We had the chance to speak with them over Zoom, where they shared with us how life was becoming increasingly dangerous. Because their town lies just 30 km from the front lines, Russian drones are actively hunting to kill Ukrainian people every day, including in their town.
Olena described how, at night, the sky is swarming, with drones flying in all directions. While it’s difficult for us to truly grasp what it’s like to live under these terrifying conditions, it does explain why they live without ‘making plans’ for tomorrow.
“What is your message for Christians in the West?” Please watch this brief video to learn what Serhiy wants to share with Christians in Canada and the USA.
VIDEOS
Child Sponsor Program
Sponsors have the chance to provide a financial gift to their sponsored child’s family. The attached endearing video showcases the impact of a sponsor’s love and generosity toward a family in need.
Chaplain Ministry baptisms
Enjoy Pastor Volodymyr’s joyful and inspiring baptism of Ukrainian soldiers.
Recovery Story
Support Sasha and Yulia
Thank you to everyone who has been praying for Sasha and Yulia and supporting them financially. If you would like to help, please click the button below.
Technology that saves lives
Air Raid Alert APP
Every person in Ukraine has this APP on their cell phones. (This is the English version.) It alerts them when missiles are approaching their city and shows the nearest bomb shelters from their current location.
This image shows which regions of Ukraine were struck by missiles on that particular night.
Articles
Child abductions in the Russo-Ukrainian War
‘Basically impossible to get them back’: Russia’s mass abduction of Ukrainian children is a war crime, say experts.
During the Russo-Ukrainian War, Russia has forcibly transferred almost 20,000 Ukrainian children to areas under its control, assigned them Russian citizenship, forcibly adopted them into Russian families, and created obstacles for their reunification with their parents and homeland. The United Nations has stated that these deportations constitute war crimes. Desperate parents are travelling to Russia to find their children, many of whom have been moved into military camps or orphanages.
In 2022 an 11-year-old boy testified to Amnesty International:
‘They took my mom to another tent. She was being questioned… They told me I was going to be taken away from my mom… I was shocked… They didn’t say anything about where my mom was going. A lady from Novoazovsk [child protection] service said maybe my mom would be let go… I didn’t get to see my mom… I have not heard from her since.’
Ukrainian children under Russian occupation
Indoctrination, torture, violence – Report reveals
Why Putin Can’t Afford to Let Ukraine Prosper
A free and thriving Ukraine would make it undeniable that Putin’s rule has been an economic disaster for Russia.
War Update
Here is a brief summary of where things currently stand in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Where things stand
- At this time, it is unlikely that the war will end soon unless one or both sides face new pressures or unexpected changes.
- Putin does show signs of being open to ending the war – but only under terms that preserve Russian gains and block Ukraine from future territorial ambitions or alliances like NATO.
- From Ukraine’s side and much of Europe, these terms are unacceptable.
- Territorial changes are minimal; most lines remain contested.
- Russia’s economy is under mounting strain – fuel shortages, falling revenues, inflation, labor constraints – but not yet at a breaking point that makes immediate peace on Ukraine’s terms likely.
- The result is likely to be continued fighting, increasing pressure for Western support, and diplomatic maneuvers to prepare for a future settlement – but not a peace deal anytime very soon.
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.
