On February 24, 2025, we mark the third year since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. As we reflect on this solemn anniversary, we are reminded of the steadfast faith, courage, and perseverance of our brothers and sisters in Christ who continue to endure unimaginable hardships.
During a recent meeting with the elders of the Kyiv Church of Christ, new stories of resilience emerged. They shared unexpected blessings found in the midst of suffering: deeper intimacy with God through his Word, renewed trust in his promises, and spiritual growth forged by trials. Yet, they also recounted the crushing weight of loss – loved ones taken, homes destroyed, families fractured, and dreams deferred. Despite this, they stood united, declaring that the church in Ukraine remains strong in the grace, living proof of the hope born through suffering: “Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4).
Our dear brother and friend Sergii is just one of many amazing stories of faith in Jesus. He continues to live in Kyiv with his daughter Sofia.
Just before the invasion, he celebrated the blessing of purchasing an apartment in Kyiv. He sacrificed and lived frugally for years in order to realize a dream for his family — home ownership. Below are photographs of his apartment at the time of his purchase.
And here is his apartment soon after the war began to ravage Ukraine. Despite the devastation, Sergii and Sofia remain resolute in their devotion to Jesus. They continually thank God for his protection and his provision through our worldwide fellowship.
Since February 24, 2022, over 2,500 of our brothers and sisters in Ukraine have seen their lives irreversibly changed. Nonetheless, the Kyiv Church established a beacon of light in the darkness as they established a rehabilitation center which has already served over 500 men traumatized by war. Over 30 of these men even made a decision to make Jesus their Lord and experienced spiritual rebirth via baptism. Through your prayers and generosity, the Ukraine Relief Fund has provided vital aid: supporting ministry staff, supplying humanitarian relief, and helping displaced disciples find refuge.
But the need remains great. The war continues to bring destruction, displacement, and despair to our Ukrainian brethren. Churches face enormous challenges – lack of food, water, clothing, housing, and medical care. Spiritual needs have also intensified, with staffing cuts leaving many vulnerable and overwhelmed.
While wars and conflicts rage across the globe, Ukraine remains a unique challenge for our fellowship, as so many of our own brothers and sisters are directly impacted. They need to know that we stand with them – that their plight has not faded into yesterday’s headlines.
Thus, we are calling on our global fellowship of churches to dedicate February 24, 2025, as a day of fasting, prayer, and financial support for the Ukraine Relief Fund. On this day, let us unite to petition God for peace, perseverance, and healing for Ukraine, and to share generously from the blessings he has given us.
Every contribution to the Ukraine Relief Fund goes directly to meeting the pressing physical and spiritual needs of our Ukrainian family. Together, we can remind them that they are not forgotten, and that we are indeed “present with you in spirit” (Colossians 2:5).
On behalf of our Ukrainian brothers and sisters, thank you for standing with them in prayer, fasting, and giving. May we be the hands and feet of Christ to those in desperate need.
