Kharkiv Ministry – March 2026
Today is day 1504 of the war. Christ is risen. And because He is risen, we also will rise.
The apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15 that if our hope in Christ is only for this life, “we are of all people most to be pitied.” But Christ has been raised from the dead – the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. “For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead” (1 Cor. 15:19–21).
Here in Ukraine, we see these two realities side by side in a very vivid way. We see suffering, destruction, and war – evidence that death entered the world through the first Adam. But we also see another reality: the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, new life in Christ, people receiving the hope of the resurrection, and becoming fearless not because life is safe, but because Christ is alive. God is at work here and now.
We keep seeing that God is making all things new. People who have lost almost everything are finding certainty, hope, and eternal life in Christ Jesus. It is hard to explain, but when you witness life and death so close together, you begin to understand more deeply what is real and how completely dependent we are on the Lord.
Personal update
We want to share a brief family update. Christina is doing well, and her recovery after the C-section is going very fast much faster than we expected. We are very thankful for the Lord’s kindness to her. This Sunday, Clement was baptized. He is healthy, and he has brought us both great joy and, of course, many sleepless nights. We are tired, but very grateful. Please continue to pray for Christina’s full recovery and for strength for our family.
Thank you for supporting us
I want to thank all of you for your support, especially for our mercy ministry. Month after month, week after week, we continue helping the most vulnerable and the most needy. Since the full-scale invasion began, more than 100,000 families have received help through our ministry. Many families tell us they are thankful that we have not forgotten them and that we continue serving, even as many organizations have had to pause or stop.
Please continue to stand with Ukraine. I know it is easy to become tired, and the world is full of terrible headlines. The flame of war is spreading in different places. But I ask you: do not forget Ukraine. Please keep praying for your brothers and sisters here: for the gospel to be proclaimed, for new servants and missionaries to be raised up, for churches to be strengthened, and for new people to join God’s Kingdom.
Current situation in Kharkiv
Kharkiv remains under constant threat, but the last days have been especially heavy. The city experienced a massive attack using jet-powered drones - a new type of weapon for us. There has been significant destruction, and many people are shaken by how quickly things can escalate.
We also experienced a very personal moment of danger. On Saturday, during a boys walk outside with their grandmother, a Shahed drone was shot down very close to our children. By God’s mercy, they are completely fine. Their grandmother was understandably frightened, but the boys were surprisingly calm. They did not seem scared perhaps they did not even fully understand what was happening. In a strange way, it felt like an “Easter mercy” a reminder that the Lord can protect in the most unexpected moments.
Current needs and key projects
To continue this ministry, we need both prayer and resources. Several urgent projects need support:
Mercy ministry
For food support only, we spend about $10,000 each month. Prices keep rising, fuel is more expensive, and that increases the cost of transportation and basic goods. Those who feel this most are the people who have lost everything: displaced families, refugees, and the elderly we serve.
Planning for potential water shortages
The enemy is now targeting water infrastructure – intake stations, sewer system and related systems. Forecasts warn of possible efforts to deprive major cities of reliable water this summer.
We plan to prepare by purchasing water filters and bottled water, and setting up a distribution point at our office for emergencies.
Energy independence for our worship space
We hope to install solar panels and batteries (about $8,000) at our worship facility to help continue operations during power outages.
Theological school and publishing
Our theological school and Reformed Press continue to need financial support. Right now the publishing ministry has nine books in progress. We are thankful that partners are supporting translation and editorial work, but we must cover printing costs ourselves and the publishing budget is now very limited.
And yet these books are truly important. In a place where people need bread, they also need the Word of God and sound resources that strengthen faith, especially for believers living under constant stress. This literature is part of how we disciple new believers, strengthen pastors, and bring steady hope to Christians who are carrying heavy burdens.
Thank you for staying with us. We are grateful that you have not forgotten us, and we ask the Lord to bless you abundantly for your love and partnership.
Christ is risen!
