The Church in Kharkiv had a thriving ministry, especially among university students and young families. By God’s mercy, their ministry work and service continue – even under constant attack from russian forces. Just a few miles from the front lines, Kharkiv is daily shelled and experiences difficulties getting supplies.
After briefly relocating their entire church to the relative safety of Western Ukraine, church leaders felt called to resume ministry in the city of Kharkiv. However, not all of the congregants could return.
The Kharkiv church is very active in taking supplies donated through Crates For Ukraine to frontline regions. Humanitarian distributions allow familes to receive basic necessities that many can no longer find in shops or afford if found.
Despite constant shelling, the congregation meets faithfully each Sunday. The church is very close to buildings that have been bombed, but praise God, He has preserved the church, both physically and spiritually.
April 30, 2026
Dear brothers and sisters,
The past two months have been marked by an unusually cold spring, which has led to widespread illness in our community as seasonal viruses continue to spread throughout the city.
At the same time, attacks on our city and infrastructure continue, now involving even more destructive drones. Yet, by God’s grace, we remain steadfast in our calling – serving others and growing in resilience. In light of the severe energy challenges we faced this past winter, we are preparing for what may come by planning to install solar panels for the church building. This would help ensure that worship services and essential ministries can continue even during extended power outages.
Our mercy ministry also continues, and we are currently supporting around 200 families each month with food and basic necessities. We are thankful that the Lord enables us to be His instruments of care in the midst of such need. In the midst of these hardships, we have many reasons to give thanks. We are grateful for the ability to gather regularly for worship, for the support we continue to receive, and even for the gradual arrival of warmer weather. Above all, we rejoice that the Lord allows us to bear witness to His love through both word and deed.
We were especially encouraged this month by the visit of brothers from the United States. Through their courage and sacrificial love, we were able to host a small conference and a fellowship gathering. Their presence was a great encouragement to our church – a visible reminder that we are not alone, and that the global body of Christ remembers us in prayer. We are deeply thankful to David, Chris, Stephen, and Heero for coming.
Our prayer requests remain:
1) For revival and peace in Ukraine
2) For strength and faithfulness of the suffering church
3) For more local ministers and missionaries
4) For provision to sustain our mercy ministry
5) For funds to install a solar energy system for the church
Thank you for standing with us in prayer and support. Your faithfulness is a great encouragement to us. We trust that the Lord, who is sovereign over all things, will sustain His church and accomplish His purposes.
With gratitude in Christ,
Mark
