Boots on the Ground
Pastor Karen’s Personal Update
A Story of Redemption
Last Saturday, our School of Evangelism team was once again out on the streets of Odessa, boldly sharing the message of hope in the midst of ongoing war and almost daily attacks. In these uncertain times, people are more open than ever to hear about the One who offers true peace. Many young people were eager to engage in gospel conversations, and we were privileged to pray with several of them and lead them to Jesus.
One encounter stood out powerfully. A man named Sergey approached our team, saying he needed help. For years, Sergey had been involved in a satanic culthere in Odessa. This dark path led him into drug addiction—deep into the grip of heavy substances that ultimately affected his mental health. His face is marked with haunting tattoos: “Cursed World” is inked across his forehead, and “Fallen Angel” across his cheeks—visible signs of a life filled with despair and deception. But Jesus had other plans.
Our students shared their personal testimonies of transformation through Christ and began to minister to Sergey. They told him that freedom is possible, that a new life is available through the power of the cross. With open hearts and bold faith, they prayed with Sergey—and he said YES to Jesus! Right there on the street, he confessed Christ as Lord of his life!
We immediately connected him with our rehabilitation center team, who are now working to help Sergey walk in freedom and become a disciple of Jesus. This is the power of the Gospel.
This is why we go. This is what Jesus came for—to seek and save the lost.
Please pray for Sergey:
- That his healing would be complete—spirit, soul, and body.
- That he would be protected from the lies of the enemy.
- That he would become a powerful witness of God’s grace to others still lost in darkness.
- Thank you for standing with us, praying, and supporting this mission. Together, we bring hope to the hopeless and light to the darkest places—one life at a time.
Hope in the Midst of Crisis
We are so thankful to share what God is doing through our ongoing Feed the Hungry outreaches here in Odessa, Ukraine—a city that continues to feel the deep effects of war, poverty, and uncertainty. But even in the darkest times, the light of the Gospel is shining brightly!
This past Tuesday, over 80 people heard the Gospel message, many of them from Jewish backgrounds, and responded by confessing Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives! These are not just numbers—these are souls encountering the love, grace, and saving power of our Lord.
Every week, we see more and more people arriving in need—not only of a hot meal, but of genuine care and the love of Jesus. For many, it’s the only decent meal they’ll receive all day. And while we may not be able to help everyone, we are committed to helping each one who comes. The need is overwhelming—but so is God’s faithfulness.
The ongoing war has taken a severe toll. The economy is collapsing, unemployment is soaring, and basic survival is now a daily struggle for countless families. The people we serve are not just statistics—they are elderly men and women, single mothers, children, refugees, and those who feel forgotten. But through your prayers and support, we can say to them: “You are not forgotten. God sees you. He loves you. And we are here because of Him—and because of you.”
A Call to Continue the Mission
We believe God is calling us to expand—to open new locations across Odessa and beyond where we can bring food, hope, and the message of eternal life. But we can’t do it without you.
Your support is vital, now more than ever.
Together, we are not just feeding bodies—we are reaching hearts with the Gospel.
Outreach Report: Novoselskoe Village – A Harvest Among the Young!
Over 100 Children and Teens Hear the Gospel – 90+ Say Yes to Jesus! We are rejoicing over the incredible outreach our team recently held in the village of Novoselskoe—a place we visited for the very first time. What unfolded was nothing short of a divine appointment!
More than 100 children and teenagers came out for our special program, and the atmosphere was filled with openness, joy, and anticipation. The hearts of the young—and even many of their parents—were so receptive to the message of the Gospel. We kicked off the event with a dynamic and engaging program designed specifically for the kids. There were games, songs, and activities that built connection and captured their full attention. But the most important part was still to come.
The Gospel Was Preached: After the program, we boldly shared the Good News of Jesus Christ—about His love poured out on the cross and His invitation to eternal life. As we spoke of salvation and the hope we have in Jesus, the response was overwhelming. Over ninety children, along with some of their parents, made a public decision to say “Yes” to Jesus, professing Him as Lord and Savior of their lives! What a powerful moment of transformation and joy.
Gifts That Matter: Every child went home not only with the Gospel in their hearts, but also with a tangible reminder of God’s love:
- Each one received a Samaritan’s Purse shoebox gift filled with treasures.
- Even more importantly, each child received their very first illustrated Bible—a seed of truth we believe will grow for years to come.
Thank You for Standing with Us This harvest is not possible without your prayers, support, and partnership. The fields are ripe, and Novoselskoe was just the beginning. We believe that God is awakening a new generation—and we’re honored to be a part of it. Let’s keep going. Let’s keep sowing. Let’s keep proclaiming. The Gospel is changing lives—one village, one heart at a time. “Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples.” – Psalm 96:3
A Divine Appointment on the Street
Last week, during our street evangelism with the Time2Go School, I had a powerful encounter that reminded me once again how deeply God sees and loves each individual.
While we were out sharing the Gospel, a young girl named Dasha approached me. She asked if she could have a few of our Gospel gallons with John 3:16 written on them. Naturally, I couldn’t let her leave without taking a moment to explain the message behind that verse.
As I began sharing the truth of John 3:16, I felt the Holy Spirit stirring something deeper. Suddenly, I received a word of knowledge about Dasha’s inner pain and feelings of rejection—how she sometimes feels like she doesn’t belong or isn’t accepted in society.
As I spoke those words, I could see the expression on her face shift. Her eyes revealed her astonishment—”How could you possibly know that?” I gently told her, “Dasha, God knows you, and He loves you so much that He sent me to this very street corner today just for you.”
The Holy Spirit moved so powerfully in that moment. Dasha was visibly touched, her heart open. When I invited her to give her life to Jesus, she joyfully said yes, and we prayed together right there on the street. We asked the Lord to save her and heal all the wounds in her heart.
That day, Dasha walked away with a new joy and peace, overwhelmed by the love of Jesus.
Our God is so good! He is still pursuing hearts, one life at a time. Thank you for praying, supporting, and standing with us as we continue to bring hope to the streets!
Hope in the Midst of War
We are grateful to be back in full swing with our weekly Feed the Hungry outreaches, now operating in six different locations. Every day, people are receiving hot meals, but even more importantly, they are being nourished by the life-changing message of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
After three and a half years of living under the shadow of war, many are feeling the crushing weight of despair and hopelessness. These outreaches have become a lifeline of comfort and hope, offering not only physical food but also the Bread of Life that restores weary souls. Just yesterday, we witnessed over 30 individuals confess Jesus as Lord—a powerful reminder that the harvest is ripe even in the hardest of seasons. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing people walk away from our gatherings with renewed joy and a smile on their faces. Thank you for being part of this mission!
Next week, Olga and I will be traveling to Odessa to lead a two-day evangelism training for young people from 3–4 local churches. We will not only be teaching but also mobilizing them for hands-on street evangelism, equipping the next generation to reach souls in their own city. Odessa has recently endured daily drone and missile attacks, including heavy strikes this past Monday. The need for the hope of Christ has never been more urgent.
We kindly ask for your prayers:
- For protection as we travel and minister
- For open hearts among the youth
- For boldness and wisdom as we evangelize on the streets
- For healing and comfort in war-torn communities and for all the financial needs to be supplied for us to make this happen
Thank you for standing with us!
A Powerful Conclusion in Reni
I’m overjoyed to report on the final night of our Time2Go School of Evangelism, which concluded with an impactful outreach in the town of Reni. Multiple locations were set up throughout the central square, each designed to share the Gospel through creative and relational evangelism techniques.
Over the course of the evening, more than 350 people attended at different points—an incredible turnout! What moved me most was witnessing our students, full of passion and boldness, putting into action everything they had learned over the past few days. From one-on-one conversations and children’s activities to gift box outreaches and aqua painting, they used every tool to plant the seed of the Gospel.
Many students engaged in deep, meaningful conversations, sharing their faith openly and with love. Several were able to lead people in the sinner’s prayer, including parents who were reached while their children were being ministered to.
At the close of the night, I had the privilege of delivering the final message and altar call—and with great joy we witnessed 70 individuals respond and profess Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives! Praise the Lord!
What’s Next? As the students return to their churches and cities, we are believing for even more testimonies to emerge—stories of transformation, healing, and revival sparked during their time here. Let’s continue to pray that the fire of God remains ignited in their hearts and that they carry this passion into their everyday lives and ministries.
Thank you for standing with us through your prayers, support, and encouragement. You are part of this Kingdom work, and together we are seeing lives changed for eternity!
Hearts Touched in Odessa!
We are overflowing with joy as we share the incredible impact of our recent “Feed the Hungry” outreach in Odessa! Over 100 precious souls received not only hot meals but also the life-giving message of the Gospel. It was a beautiful picture of God’s love in action, right in the heart of a city deeply affected by hardship.
What makes this outreach even more special is that many of those we reached have Jewish roots. What an honor to share the Good News with them and invite them into the Kingdom of our God! Nearly every person we ministered to professed Jesus as Lord over their lives. Hallelujah!
Despite the ongoing war and overwhelming needs surrounding them, the atmosphere was filled with an unmistakable sense of peace and divine love. Many approached our team and shared how they felt the shalom of God—some for the very first time. While the word shalom is familiar to many in Odessa, this was their first experience with the gentle and holy presence of the Living God. What a testimony!
This Thursday, we are launching our School of Evangelism in Izmail. Please join us in prayer that all our students will arrive safely and in good health, ready to be equipped and sent out as bold witnesses for Christ. Thank you for your continues support! Thank you for standing with us in prayer, support, and love. Together, we are advancing the Kingdom—one soul, one city at a time.
A Day They Will Not Forget!
Recently, our team from Izmail journeyed to a very remote village, one so hidden and isolated that few ever think to go there. But God placed it on our hearts to bring the Gospel to these overlooked souls—especially the children.
To our amazement, we discovered that around 100 children live in this village—and not one of them had ever heard the truth of the Gospel. That day, we came prepared: with hearts full of love, equipment loaded, and a passion to make it a day to remember for both the children and their parents.
While serving, parents shared something that broke our hearts: most of these children had never jumped on a trampoline… never tasted cotton candy… never had their faces painted. Things many of us consider simple or normal, were experiences these kids had never known. But that day, it all changed.
Throughout the event, about 100 children—some coming and going, others staying the whole time—prayed to receive Jesus into their hearts. Each one received a children’s Bible to carry the message of hope into their homes and hearts.
The Story of Abraham’s Daughter – Maria!
We want to share a powerful story from our recent Feed the Hungry outreach in Central Park, Odessa—a story of pain, identity, and the life-changing power of the Gospel.
Maria is a 27-year-old mother of two young children. Her husband is currently missing in action, leaving her alone, heartbroken, and struggling to survive. Maria has Jewish roots—her father is of Jewish descent and her mother is Ukrainian. This mixed heritage, rather than being a source of strength, made her feel rejected by both sides.
Throughout her life, Maria has felt like an outsider. Ukrainians told her she was Jewish, and therefore didn’t fully belong. Meanwhile, some in the Jewish community didn’t recognize her as truly Jewish, since her heritage came through her father and not her mother. With nowhere to turn and little hope, she found herself at our outreach event—lost, weary, and desperate for help.
But God met Maria that day. We shared with her the truth of the Gospel: that in Christ, there is no Jew or Ukrainian, no Greek or Gentile—we are all one family, equally loved and accepted by our Heavenly Father. For the first time in her life, Maria said she felt truly welcomed. She felt at home—wrapped in the arms of a loving God who sees her, knows her, and calls her His own.
That day, Maria gave her life to Jesus and confessed Him as Lord! Our church in Odessa is now supporting Maria and her children with food, essentials, and emotional care as they begin this new journey. Please keep Maria and her children in your prayers. They have a long road ahead, but they are not alone. God is with them—and so are we.
300 Children and Teens for Jesus!
In case you didn’t know, yesterday marked International Children’s Protection Day—a day celebrated in over 50 countries around the world. It’s a special time to honor and protect the next generation, and each year, our team uses this opportunity to reach out to children and teenagers in our community.
This year, with the weather finally on our side, we were thrilled to host a powerful outdoor outreach event—and what a day it was!
Over 300 children, teenagers, and their parents came out to join us! We were truly blown away by the turnout. Together, we shared the Good News of Jesus Christ, prayed over the children, lifted our nation up in prayer, and cried out for peace and an end to the war.
But the most incredible moment of all? Every person who attended—young and old—made a profession of faith, declaring Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives. Glory to God!
25 Souls for Jesus!
This afternoon, I had the incredible privilege of leading 25 precious souls to Jesus during our outreach in Izmail, just before our “Feed the Hungry” initiative began. It was a truly moving experience, filled with stories of resilience and hope amid unimaginable hardship.
One story that deeply touched me was that of Vladimir and Nina, a couple we had the honor of meeting today. Vladimir and Nina are displaced refugees from the Kherson region. Their village remains under Russian occupation, and they shared with me the harrowing experiences they endured during six long months living under those conditions. The horrors of war and the atrocities they witnessed are difficult to put into words.
Despite losing everything—their home, belongings, garden, and sense of normalcy—they never lost their conscience or their unbreakable spirit. Their resilience in the face of adversity is a testimony in itself. Today, I’m overjoyed to share that Vladimir and Nina both professed their faith in Jesus during an altar call. It was an honor to walk with them in that sacred moment of transformation and hope.
Please keep us in your prayers as we minister to those who are hurting, lost, and in need of love and spiritual healing. Together, we are making an eternal difference in the lives of so many.
Souls for Eternity!
We’re excited to share an update from our recent Feed the Hungry outreach in the town of Reni. As needs continue to grow, we’re seeing more and more individuals coming not only for a hot soup and sandwich—but also for something far deeper: hope, healing, and the Good News of Jesus Christ.
This past outreach was especially moving. Among the many who came, we heard an incredible testimony that touched our entire team. Three elderly women—close friends and war refugees from the eastern part of Ukraine—attended our outreach a few months ago. Their hometown was completely destroyed by bombing and shelling. Escaping with their lives, they found refuge in the south, near the Odessa region. Someone told them about our outreach in Reni, and they came seeking food and help. But what they found was much more: a new beginning in Christ. At nearly 80 years old, all three women gave their lives to Jesus and became followers of Him.
Just weeks ago, we received news that each of these precious ladies passed away—one after another. They had health conditions, and the stress of war no doubt took its toll. And yet, what fills our hearts with joy is this: They met Jesus before they left this world. They may have had only a few short months as believers, but those months were eternal in impact. We know with confidence they are now in His presence.
This testimony has deeply encouraged our team. We are more committed than ever to reach out—especially to the elderly—so that no one misses the chance to know the love and salvation of Jesus.
Bringing Hope to the Next Generation in Ukraine
We are overjoyed to share the incredible impact of our recent outreach in one of the villages in the Odessa region. During this special event, around 100 children and teenagers gathered—many from difficult and isolated circumstances. By God’s grace, 70 of them responded to the altar call, openly confessing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of their lives!
Moments like these remind us of the deep need for hope in these remote Ukrainian villages, where many children are left in the care of their grandparents while their parents work abroad or are affected by the ongoing war. These young hearts are hungry for love, truth, and purpose—and through the power of the Gospel, we have the opportunity to bring them exactly that.
We carry the answer to their pain and loneliness—and that answer is Jesus.
Love + Hope = Faith!
Today, our team was once again faithfully serving the community—especially those who are vulnerable and in need. The love of God is often revealed through simple acts of kindness, like those captured in these photos: offering a hot bowl of soup, a sandwich, and, above all, the hope we have in our Lord Jesus Christ. These moments become seeds of faith and steps toward salvation.
During our recent “Feed the Hungry” outreach in the Odessa region, 63 individuals professed Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Each week, our outreach efforts serve as a breath of fresh air for many—providing not just physical nourishment but also spiritual encouragement. In a world filled with uncertainty and negative news, our locations become beacons of light and places of hope for those seeking a better path.
40 Children Come to Messiah Jesus!
Yesterday, our team had the privilege of visiting a small and very remote village called Golitsa. Our mission was to conduct a special outreach event for local children and teenagers. Though the village is home to only around 40 young people, we firmly believe that every soul matters—Christ gave His life for each and every one of them.
In addition to the children and teens, several of their mothers and grandparents also came out to participate. This gave us a wonderful opportunity to share the message of the greatest gift of all: the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
The excitement among the children and their families was truly heartwarming. It was clear from the very beginning that this was a unique experience for them—especially the moment we began to speak about Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross.
We are overjoyed to share that 40 children made a profession of faith in Jesus and placed their trust in Him. Praise God for touching hearts and transforming lives in Golitsa!
From Darkness to His Marvelous Light!
This past Saturday, our team had the privilege of stepping through an open door God provided into a government-operated rehabilitation center for women struggling with alcohol addiction. This facility mandates a 28-day treatment program that includes medical support, often imposed involuntarily by authorities. While these programs offer structure, we know true and lasting transformation comes only through the power of the Gospel.
By God’s grace, we were able to minister to 20 women currently enrolled in the program. Fifteen attended our outreach gathering—and we rejoice to report that 13 of them made a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior!
We created a warm and welcoming environment with coffee, tea, and sweet treats, allowing for personal connection and meaningful conversation. After the message, several women came forward for individual prayer and confession. It was evident that the Holy Spirit was at work—bringing comfort, conviction, and life-changing encounters with God’s love.
Please continue to keep these precious women in your prayers. Many are facing difficult circumstances and deep wounds, but we believe the seeds planted will yield eternal fruit.
We are planning to return to the facility next week—this time to share the hope of Christ with the men in the rehabilitation program. We ask for your continued prayer covering as we bring the light of the Gospel into places often marked by despair.
3 Souls with Jewish Roots Come to Jesus!
Last week, during one of our Feed the Hungry outreach events, three individuals with Jewish heritage visited us for the first time. They came out of curiosity to see what was happening in Odessa’s Central Park. As they heard the Gospel message, their hearts were deeply moved, and they openly received it—professing Jesus as Lord in their lives.
None of them comes from a religious background, which, in this case, has been a blessing, as they approached the message without preconceived notions about religion. Some have struggled with issues such as alcohol abuse, and we are filled with hope and joy that they have now encountered the truth that can set them free.
Please keep Elena, Tatiana, and Uriy in your prayers.
20 Souls for Jesus!
A few days ago, we received a phone call from a woman living in the town of Kiliya. She and a group of internally displaced individuals—20 in total—had fled from the Donbas region and settled in this small town without any external assistance. She shared with us their urgent need for support, especially food and basic necessities.
In response, we acted quickly. Early this morning, we prepared 20 food packages, along with blankets and gifts for the children. We traveled to Kiliya to not only provide practical help but also to share the hope of the Gospel with these precious individuals.
All of them come from the same region and had endured over six months under Russian occupation. Many lost their homes and currently have no place to return to. When we arrived, they were deeply moved that someone had responded so promptly to their call for help.
After sharing the Gospel and inviting them to be reconciled with Christ, each person openly professed Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Please continue to pray for this community. We are now planning a return visit to host a special outreach specifically for the children and teenagers.
70 Children for Jesus!
Last Friday, our team visited the town of Reni, where we organized a special outreach event for 70 children displaced from war-torn regions of Ukraine. Many of these children have lost their fathers due to the ongoing conflict, and most have not experienced joy or peace since the war began three years ago. Having been relocated to our region, we saw this as a meaningful opportunity to connect with them — and, through them, reach their families.
The atmosphere was filled with joy and excitement. It was truly heartwarming to see how deeply these children appreciated the time, care, and love invested in making the day special for them. Our team brought gifts and a children’s Bible for each child. At the conclusion of the event, when an invitation was extended to receive Jesus into their hearts, every child responded. We were privileged to witness a profoundly moving moment as these young hearts placed their faith and trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
High School for Jesus!
A few weeks ago, we were contacted by a school in the village of Troyani. They had heard about our mission and the work we’ve been doing in villages to reach and support this generation. Rather than inviting us to serve the broader village, they specifically requested that we visit their local high school, which has an enrollment of 32 students.
This opportunity was truly a door opened by God. In our country, it is neither common nor easy to be granted access to speak in public schools, especially about faith. The fact that we were welcomed into this environment is nothing short of a miracle and a clear sign of God’s favor.
We prepared a small program for the visit, but the most powerful part of our time there was the chance to openly share our personal testimonies. Many of the students were deeply touched and impacted by what they heard. While we were not permitted to make an altar call, we believe that seeds of the Gospel were planted in the hearts of these young people.
After our presentation, many students approached us privately to share personal struggles and seek guidance—an encouraging sign that our message resonated with them.
We are truly grateful to God for this extraordinary opportunity to connect with and inspire the younger generation in our nation.
Messiah is Risen!
We had a truly impactful outreach event on Saturday evening in Izmail, focused on children and teenagers, with many of their parents also in attendance. The theme of the outreach was the resurrection of our Lord Jesus the Messiah.
It continues to amaze me how many people in our culture still lack a clear understanding of the true meaning of Passover and Easter. For many, these holidays are associated primarily with traditions like baked goods, colored eggs, or the Easter bunny, without any knowledge of the profound message behind them. I had the privilege of sharing, in a simple and accessible way, the truth of the resurrection and the purpose of the Messiah’s coming — His death and victorious resurrection.
The response was truly encouraging. Both the children and their parents listened attentively, and by the end of the evening, 30 individuals had made a profession of faith in Jesus the Messiah as Lord of their lives.
The following Sunday, we were blessed to welcome over 15 of those children, teenagers, and their parents to our church service to celebrate the resurrection together. For most of them, it was their very first time attending an evangelical church. Praise the Lord for the work He is doing in their hearts and in this community!
Another Changed Life!
Meet Roman, a 59-year-old man who recently arrived in Izmail from eastern Ukraine, where the ongoing war tragically destroyed everything he owned. During one of Russia’s missile attacks, his apartment was completely obliterated. Miraculously, Roman survived and eventually found refuge in our part of the Odesa region.
Roman has never had a family. He devoted his life to studying biology and is an exceptionally intelligent individual. However, despite his academic pursuits, he had never encountered the message of Jesus Christ—until his circumstances led him to live on the streets.
A few weeks ago, Roman came across one of our “Feed the Hungry” outreach events in Izmail. It was there that Brother Yan ministered to him and shared the gospel. Initially, Roman’s scientific background and reliance on human wisdom made it difficult for him to accept the simple truth of the gospel. But that day, something changed. Roman laid down his own understanding and opened his heart to Jesus Christ.
We have since welcomed Roman into our shelter home, and he is now actively participating in our church’s discipleship program in Izmail. Praise the Lord for His grace and the transformation happening in Roman’s life!
A Life Transformed Through Outreach in Odessa
Last Thursday, as part of our ongoing ministry, our team faithfully served hot meals and shared the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ with over 75 individuals in Central Park, Odessa.
Among those we encountered was a young man named Ruslan, 32 years old, who had recently arrived in Odessa from the Kyiv region. Wandering the park in search of help and food, Ruslan was drawn to the activity and warmth of our outreach. Out of curiosity, he approached our gathering, received a hot meal, and—for the very first time—heard the message of the Gospel.
Ruslan shared with us that he had lost his father in the war—a devastating event that left him feeling hopeless and without purpose. His father had been his entire world, and after his passing, Ruslan struggled deeply, turning to drugs and antidepressants. Eventually, he exhausted all his resources and made his way to Odessa in a desperate search for support.
By God’s grace, last Thursday, Ruslan found more than just a warm meal—he encountered Jesus. That day marked the beginning of a transformation in his life. Ruslan is now entering our rehabilitation program, where he will continue to receive support and discipleship. Step by step, he is beginning a new journey as a follower of Christ.
We praise God for what He is doing in Ruslan’s life and in the lives of so many others we have the privilege of serving. Thank you for your continued prayers and support as we carry out this mission.
Lost But Not Forgotten
This is Mihail. He is a homeless man who lives on the streets of our town. A few days ago, he was brutally beaten and harassed by a group of teenagers who wanted to record his suffering and post it on their social media platforms. Unfortunately, in our countries, the police often do very little to protect homeless people. One of our team members found Mihail sitting on the street, crying, because no one had shown him any compassion or mercy. Our sister offered him help and brought him to our Feed the Hungry outreach, where—for the first time in many days—he had a hot meal and received some medical attention. Later, Mihail shared with us the story of how he became homeless and how he fell into alcohol abuse. But he also said something that really stayed with us: he told us that he had become so disappointed in humanity that he sometimes wondered whether true love and compassion still existed in this cruel world. Then, when he met our team, he said it felt as though God Himself came down and gave him a warm and loving hug. For the first time in many years, Mihail felt loved and cared for—and in that moment, he felt God’s presence. That day, he confessed Jesus as Lord of his life. Now, our team is helping him get back on his feet and working to restore all his documents.
Thank you, friends, for helping us be there for people like Mihail!
70 Decisions for Jesus!
Our team was back in the parks of Odessa with hot meals and the good news of the Gospel! As always, we are not only delivering food to those in need, but also providing them with free haircuts and basic medical aid—such as cleaning wounds and applying bandages.
When the altar call was given, 70 souls responded and professed Jesus as Lord of their lives! I’m so thankful for our team of volunteers who faithfully serve these people every week. They truly display the living Christ through their ministry and service to all those precious souls!
Miracle Working Power of Our God!
Hello friends, I just want to share with you another wonderful testimony of a changed life!
This is Sergey, and he is of Jewish descent. Sergey is 47 years old. Two years ago, he was invited to our “Feed the Hungry” outreach in Izmail. At that time, his life was completely shattered due to drug and alcohol abuse. The doctors had sent Sergey home to die—he had been diagnosed with Hepatitis C, Ascites, and Cirrhosis of the liver. If you had seen his face back then, he was completely yellow and could barely move.
Sergey agreed to undergo rehabilitation through our church, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, he was completely healed and set free from all of his addictions.
Today, two years later, Sergey is alive and healthy—working, riding a bicycle, serving people, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Sergey says that God is good to him all the time, and he is so excited about the changes in his life and for God sending our team along his path.
Teenagers Coming to Jesus on the Streets!
Our team was back on the streets again as soon as the weather improved, and this time, we went to soccer and basketball playgrounds, offering all the young people free coffee and treats. We saw how the atmosphere changed immediately, and all the teenagers were drawn to our team and the message of the Gospel, which we shared while serving them coffee and sweets!
Our brother Yan led 15 teenagers to Jesus through the sinner’s prayer. They were so open to our testimonies and excited about us showing up and surprising them with our presentation.
I deeply believe we need to go where the fish are and cast all kinds of nets to catch some for the Kingdom of our God. It is so encouraging to see teenagers being open to receiving the message of truth. Sometimes, we start believing the stereotype that young people today are hard to reach due to culture and all the other excuses people use. But no, it is not hard—it is possible if we are filled with desire and compassion to see our kids come to know Jesus and become His followers! I pray according to this verse today for all of us, friends: “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” Philippians 2:13
Orphans for Jesus!
Our team just visited another orphanage for teenagers in the western part of Ukraine, bringing them food supplies and the Gospel of our Lord Jesus! These are some children who’ve lost their parents due to the war, mainly from Odessa and the surrounding areas. Like always, when the Gospel was presented, all of them responded and professed their faith in Jesus! They were so happy that we came, not only because we brought them some gifts and treats but also because they felt something different: a true and genuine compassion and love! Twenty-five children were reached with the Gospel and prayer! Thank you for supporting our ministry and helping us reach those precious souls for the Kingdom of our God!
Lives Forever Changed by Simple Acts of love!
I’m so excited and proud of our team in Izmail; they are just non-stop preaching and sharing the Gospel using different techniques and methods! As you know, one of the things we do when we are out on the streets is offer people free haircuts and beard care services. This time, our team just parked our van on one of the streets of Izmail and offered people this free haircut service. Due to the economic situation in Ukraine and the war, most of the refugees can’t afford to go and visit a barbershop regularly, so for some of them, this act of kindness and love is a true blessing.
In one hour, four different people came up and wanted to use our free service, but we always warn them that this is free only because it’s done in the name of God’s love and under one condition—they need to listen to our hairdresser’s stories of how Jesus changed their lives! In one hour, our sister Svetlana led four souls to the Lord simply by cutting their hair, making them look better, and helping them regain their dignity and restore their trust in humanity.
People Need to Hear This!
What I like about our ministry and our churches is that we continue to simply go out on the streets and share with random people from different backgrounds, ages, and statuses about the greatest love of all, which is the love of our Lord Jesus!
As you well know, this is something that is in our DNA—not just to give people social aid and humanitarian support, but to make sure they are presented with the freeing message of our Lord Jesus. All the aid in the world won’t save them from spending eternity in complete separation from our Heavenly Father, so that is why we’re still continuing to stand on the corners of our streets and share the love of God with bypassers.
I’m trusting God for more open doors and resources for our team to hold schools of evangelism in Moldova, Ukraine, Latvia, and some of the Balkan nations. I see how effective our trainings are because almost every time we have conducted a school, churches get on fire about doing the same in their communities. Most importantly, they see how simple it is—you don’t need big budgets or celebrity preachers to come and do it for you. All they need is to be equipped, trained, and willing to go out and share their faith in Jesus!
“And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs.”
Mark 16:20 NLT
Reaching Souls in the Front Line Villages!
First of all, I want to thank you, friends, for constantly praying for our team and their safety as they travel to war zone locations.
A few days ago, our team from Izmail returned from a very intensive trip to the Kherson region. They went specifically to villages that are shelled daily by drones and mortars. Locals told Yan and his team that sometimes Russians would launch a few drones loaded with grenades, mocking civilians by chasing them with drones before attacking.
Imagine living there—it’s hard to comprehend when you only read or hear what different propaganda presents. But it’s an entirely different reality when you go there and meet the locals in person.
Due to the ongoing fighting, these communities are cut off from food and essential supplies. By God’s grace and protection, our team was able to reach two villages, where they found 110 people still living under those conditions. We brought them various supplies, including food, hygiene items, and gifts for children and teenagers. Most importantly, we brought them hope and comfort through the preaching of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus!
In one village, 50 souls, and in another, 60 more, professed their faith in Jesus as our team ministered to them! Please keep these precious souls in your prayers for protection and safety!
Continuing to Reach the Lost and Needy!
Our Odessa “Feed the Hungry” team continues to reach people from different walks of life in our Central Park! Today, over 50 souls were not only fed but also had the opportunity to profess their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior! This outreach has changed and impacted many lives, and the power of the Gospel message continues to bring hope and salvation amid all the difficulties our country faces. Thank you for supporting this ministry and faithfully standing with us!
Click here to see more updates from Karen!