As we write this, war continues to rage in Ukraine, but the gospel is steadily advancing. In cities like Kyiv and Odessa, the reality on the ground is harsh. Sirens wail day and night as drone bombers fly overhead. Basic utilities like water and electricity are routinely shut off. Young men are conscripted and sent to the frontlines, while many of the elderly suffer from poverty and isolation. And yet, in the middle of this chaos, people are coming to faith.

Our Odessa branch leader, Leonid Vasserman, reports:

“This summer we held a baptism for 13 new believers, 5 of whom are Jewish. The youngest was just 15, while the oldest was 93. We gathered on the beach for the ceremony, followed by a celebration and communion service. It was a powerful reminder that even in times of war, God is still drawing people to himself.

“We met many of these new believers through evangelistic outreach holiday services where we had distributed care packages. Ivanna* came to an evangelistic service earlier this year, invited by a Jewish believer and friend. She received a care package and heard the gospel. That day, she responded to the call and repented. Since then, she has regularly attended services and Bible studies. We were thrilled to witness Ivanna make a covenant with God through baptism. Praise God for her bold step of faith!

“Meanwhile, Victor’s* journey to faith has been slow and steady. For years, he was influenced by Jehovah’s Witnesses and came to us with many questions. Our early meetings were filled with many long conversations about faith. Over time, his heart softened, and he prayed to receive Yeshua. Hallelujah!”

In Kyiv, our team continues its ministry work that includes visits, phone calls, and outreach events. Our staff consistently engages in over 100 personal interactions each week.

But ministry continues under constant threat. A few months ago, several hundred bombs were dropped on Kyiv in one night, killing over 30 people. From dusk until morning, air defense forces battled waves of drones and missiles. Our staff and their families endured a sleepless night as explosions shook the city. The next day, similar attacks struck western Ukraine, and the central regions were again rattled by the sound of defense systems trying to intercept incoming threats. By God’s grace, our team remains safe and ministry marches on.

Our Kyiv branch leader, Anatoli Emma, reports:

“We first met Daryna,* an elderly Yiddish-speaking Jewish lady, before the war. She had a strong spirit but little interest in spiritual things. ‘I have no sins,’ she announced confidently. ‘No need to read the Bible.’ Her husband was ill, and she was not eager to talk about God.

“After the war began, we reconnected by phone. Her grandson had gone to a dangerous area, and we prayed together for his safety. Later, she invited us to visit during a holiday. When we arrived, she greeted us with a Bible in hand. ‘Tell me what and where to read,’ she said.

“We met again at a Shabbat service in the Kyiv Jewish Messianic congregation. After that, we began speaking more often, and we eventually discussed water baptism. Daryna was eager. ‘I want to be closer to him,’ she said. ‘And besides, I also want to become a Jew for Jesus!’ Blessed be the Lord. All glory to him!”

These stories are just tiny glimpses of what God is doing in Ukraine. In the face of war, fear, and uncertainty, people are finding hope in Yeshua. Our missionaries continue to serve with courage and compassion, bringing the Light of the World into the darkest places.

Please pray for a swift end to the conflict. Pray for those still suffering the ravages of war. And pray for our staff as they continue to share Messiah’s love with the people of Ukraine.

*Name has been changed to protect privacy.