Light in the Darkness

Amidst the war in Ukraine, Lena and her family have been called to many different ministries to serve the people. They originally started by helping those who struggle with drug and alcohol addiction. However, since the war has started, their needs have shifted. They journeyed to Hungary, the UK, and the US with stops in between. They were welcomed by many loving churches, but ultimately knew their heart was in Ukraine. After several years, they returned to start ministries with widows and veterans as well as providing shelter to older folks. 

Lena shared that they are very open about their message of God’s love, but that no one is forced to participate. Many of the residents of their ministries are not Christians but feel safe and comfortable. Lena spoke of the realities and challenges they face. There is a shared pain among them, and spirituality often feels out of reach with questions of why God would allow such things. 

Lena spoke of one woman who attends their church. She had recently lost her husband. She felt like she needed to find a church, despite never going before. She expressed that if her husband hadn’t passed, she wouldn’t have sought out finding a church. Nothing could justify or take away such a loss, but she was able to find joy in God again and found a job where she can give back to others. She is now waiting for her upcoming baptism. 

Lena has requested prayers for the ongoing war as well as the daily challenges they face in their ministries.