It has been a year since Phil traveled to eastern Ukraine to visit our MCNet coaches there and encourage the churches and leaders that we have been serving (Click on pic for video). One year later and the war continues and travel to this region has not become easier.

In spite of these challenges, this summer, Tim, a long time ICM Canada board member, made this same journey. Tim has been a valued member of the board for many years and it was through his many contacts in Ukraine that we initially met Maxym and Anya in Zaporizhzhia. Tim had a career in radio and assisting and serving many Christian non-profit societies. He began travelling to Ukraine in the early 1990s, assisting and networking with various Christian organizations and churches.

Earlier this summer he was able to spend a week to encourage them and personally let them know that others are praying and holding them up. He sent us the following:

In July, I travelled into Ukraine for the sole purpose of encouraging my many friends in the country. The current war has taken a heavy toll, especially on the people who’ve chosen to remain and serve in whatever they can. Everyone is stressed… hoping and praying that the war will end soon. ‘Uncertainty’ is the byword. With about 40% of the electrical grid damaged, electricity is in short supply, and brown-outs are part of everyday life.

Christians who truly live their day-to-day faith, shine brightly in the blackness of despondency, depression, hopelessness and trauma. Small local churches are lighthouses of hope and practical care in the community. I think it is the finest hour of the Christian church in Ukraine. The Holy Spirit had prepared them for this devastating time, and their heroic deeds of kindness and care have shouted gently about the great love of Jesus Christ for all mankind.

It was truly a humbling honor to just go and listen, weep and pray with our brothers and sisters in Christ.  As usual, I received back far more than I gave.

Maxym is a ministry coach in the MCNet (Ministry Coaching Network). He continues to serve in eastern Ukraine as pastor of a church plant, as well as director of New Hope Center, which serves displaced families. Recently he sent the following report of the current ministry in a country torn by war:

New Hope Center has been serving people who live in Zaporizhya (Zap), 40 km from the front line. The stress level is high, so we offer art-therapy classes as well as group/individual counseling to help both adults and children cope with the stress and anxiety of living in a war zone. Starting this month we will also offer physical exercise as well.

Our church, God’s Family Church, continues to meet Sundays. We have about 40-50 people who come to worship together. After the service many stay for coffee and fellowship. During this time they not only socialize but support and pray for one another. We are a living faith community. There are still very few kids at church, because so many were evacuated with their mothers abroad (2 years ago) and have still not returned. Things are still quite dangerous in our city with a high risk of being occupied. We pray that that does not happen.
Anya and I continue to have people from our church family to our Wings Renewal Center (in the countryside close to town). Usually one or two families come at a time. They can enjoy walks in the garden, sitting by the river (as our dog also does!), and having a meal together. They can also stay overnight at a guest house so that they can relax in the evening with no hurry to go home. It is a less stressful environment than living in an apartment in the city. It has really served to restore physical, mental, and spiritual health.

Thanks again for your prayers for our continued safety and strength. We pray that Zap will not get occupied and that the nuclear station stays safe as well.
Blessings and keep in touch,
Max and Anya
Zaporizhya, Ukraine