Hope Rising in Ukraine

Cesar Sotomayor
9 minutes ago
5 min read

In the midst of war and uncertainty, the light of Jesus is rising brightly in Ukraine! Lives are being transformed, hearts are renewed, and God’s name is glorified through His church and servants. We rejoice in His mighty work and give thanks for every life touched by His love.

I could tell you countless stories of how church-planting families in Ukraine are boldly serving Jesus, bringing hope to their communities, transforming lives, and walking daily in the guidance of the Holy Spirit to glorify His name.

Today, I want to highlight two powerful testimonies from our church planters, Ivan and Hennadii, showing how Jesus is changing lives in the midst of challenges and inviting you to join us in prayer for their ministries.

Cesar Sotomayor

EBF - Church Planting Enabler

Ivan S. & Family

Doing Church Planting and Serving in Church of God’s Word

In Ukraine

Serving Our Community in Christ’s Love.

Our church actively reaches out to serve migrants, refugees, and those affected by the war or facing difficult life circumstances. Through our ongoing ministry at the addiction rehabilitation center, we bring hope, support, and care to those in need. Many in our city have come to know Christ for the first time through these acts of love, as we seek to reflect His heart and build trusting relationships in every ministry.

Testimony: A Life Transformed by the Power of Christ

One of the most powerful examples of God’s transforming work in our ministry is the story of Vitaly, a 45-year-old man who spent nearly half of his life bound by the chains of addiction. In those dark years, he lost everything: his family, his health, and any sense of purpose. From the outside, it looked as though all hope had vanished. But God never stopped pursuing him.

Through the ministry of our church and rehabilitation center, Vitaly heard the life-changing message of the Gospel. He surrendered his heart to Jesus Christ, placing his trust in the One who heals the brokenhearted and sets the captives free. The Lord restored his life, granting him forgiveness, freedom, and a renewed calling.

Today, Vitaly serves faithfully in our ministry, reaching out to those still struggling with addiction. He walks alongside men who are now taking the same steps he once took, offering hope, encouragement, and the love of Christ. His life shines as a living testimony of God’s redeeming grace.

Vitaly’s story strengthens believers, inspires those still searching, and reminds all of us that God continues to work miracles. The church truly is a place where the broken are lifted, the hopeless find hope, and lives are made new by the power of Jesus Christ.

Current Challenges & Prayer Needs

Prayer Requests

Pray for renewed strength for our ministers who are experiencing fatigue.
Pray for wisdom and endurance as we face an overwhelming number of needs in our community.
Pray for a healthy balance between ministry responsibilities and personal life.
Pray for stable ministry support, especially during wartime, so we can continue serving effectively.

We humbly ask for your prayers that the Lord would strengthen our team, raise up new workers, and bring spiritual refreshment and renewal to each of us.

Thank You

Thank you for your prayers, support, and faithful partnership in the Gospel. Because of God’s grace working through you, we are witnessing His Kingdom advance even in the midst of challenging times. May Christ be glorified in every life He touches through this ministry!

Ivan S.

Hennadii V & family

Doing Church Planting and Serving in New Community Church

in Ukraine.

Our church joyfully serves the community with the love of Christ. Throughout the week, we open our doors for Bible study, prayer, fellowship, and worship, welcoming all who seek God. We offer spiritual and family counselling, support the elderly and people with limited mobility, and provide free purified drinking water to anyone in need. The church also helps low-income families with clothing and assists displaced persons with humanitarian aid and necessary documents. We partner with Christian rehabilitation centers to minister to those struggling with addiction, and we host regular gatherings for women to grow in faith and community. Through these ministries, we strive to reflect Christ’s compassion and bring His hope to our city.

Testimony of the Conversion of Lyudmila Magda (64 years old)

On August 24, Lyudmila Magda joyfully received water baptism by faith! Throughout her entire life, Lyudmila sensed deep within her heart that there must be Someone who created and rules over the world. This longing for God, for truth, and for peace led her to begin attending the Orthodox Church in her search for the One who could fill her soul.

In February of 2025, her husband was baptized in our church. Lyudmila witnessed firsthand how powerfully God began to work in his life. After many years of struggling with alcohol addiction, fighting, failing, and losing hope everything changed when he heard the Gospel, believed in Christ, and surrendered his life to the Lord. The transformation was undeniable.

Seeing the grace of God at work in her husband, Lyudmila came to our church and immediately felt the warmth, love, and presence of Christ in the fellowship of believers. For six months, she faithfully attended daily Bible studies, allowing God’s Word to take root in her heart. Her faith grew stronger, and she joyfully entered the waters of baptism, becoming part of our spiritual family.

Lyudmila continues to grow in the Lord, attending classes every day, participating actively in the home group that I personally lead, and developing a sincere desire to serve. She is growing in prayer, boldness in sharing the Gospel, and a heartfelt desire to join a ministry team. Truly, the Holy Spirit is shaping her into a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.

Prayer Requests for Our Church

Pray for protection and stability as the war, martial law, frequent mobilization, air raids, and unstable power supply make it difficult to plan and carry out ministry activities.
Pray for more ordained ministers, that God would raise and send faithful leaders to serve our congregation.
Pray for the restoration of facilities, as our church building was destroyed in the hostilities, leaving us without a safe and suitable space for children’s and youth ministry.
Pray for growth among middle-aged and young adults, asking the Lord to draw more people of these age groups to the church.
Pray for an increase in the number of children, beyond only the children of believing parents.
Pray for the development of children’s ministry, as we currently only have Sunday school and lack other programs.
Pray for financial provision to strengthen and expand both youth and children’s ministries.
Pray for God’s supply to begin construction of a new church building according to the approved project.
Pray for the establishment of a Christian school in our community, as there is currently no comprehensive Christian educational option in our area.

We thank God, and we thank you for your prayers and financial support for our church community. Because of your generosity, the Kingdom of God is growing stronger, and lives like Lyudmila are being transformed by the power of the Gospel. May the Lord abundantly bless your mission as you continue to support and strengthen new churches!

With gratitude in Christ,

Hennadii