These two stories of testimony show how God’s love has helped heal those whose lives have been torn apart by war in the Odessa region.

As we read the testimonies of Viktor and Natalia, we’re reminded of the hardships that the people of Ukraine are facing each day. Through these testimonies, we can see the incredible power of the Gospel in the work that Pastor Mykhailo has been doing in the Odessa region.  

Testimony #1 – Viktor

My name is Viktor, I am 28 years old. I was born and raised in a small village in the Mykolaiv region. My life was very simple and rural until the war broke out. Then everything changed. My house, like the neighboring buildings, was shelled. A nearby village was destroyed. Not knowing where to go, I was forced to flee the war, leaving behind everything that was close to me.

Before the war, my life was not easy either. Due to family conflicts, my father kicked me out of the house, and for a long time I could not forgive him for that. But the war made me realize a lot of things. When a shell fragment almost tore my mother’s arm off during one of the shelling, I realized how fragile life is. It was the moment when I felt completely helpless in the face of death.

When I escaped to the Odessa region, far from my home, I experienced difficult emotions of despair and hopelessness. But it was at that time when I started to search for answers to the question of why I was still alive. This search led me to God.

When I finally found the evangelical church, I felt my heart regain a sense of meaning to life. Once in the church, I was very nicely greeted by the believers, the pastor Mykhailo, his family, and others. They made me realize that there are good people, and they are with me. Now I attend men’s meetings that are held on Tuesdays. I have a lot of questions, and at such meetings I find some answers. I also started filming live broadcasts from each service on social media so that other people can join the church and be saved.I am very grateful to you for the food aid. At the moment, I have no job and all IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) payments have also ended, so these products are really God’s answer to my prayers. It is a real blessing that helped me survive in the most difficult moments.

Testimony #2 – Natalia

My name is Natalia. Before the war, I lived in Nikopol, and my life seemed quite stable and predictable. I worked as a senior technologist at one of the factories, had a stable income, my own house, and everything I needed for a comfortable life. My husband and I were planning our future, building dreams, enjoying every day.

But the war destroyed everything. In one moment, everything that was so important turned out to be fragile. Our home was destroyed, and we became homeless. Everything that I had been building up for so long – comfort, coziness, and a peaceful life – was gone.

My husband and I fled to the south. Our new life began there, although at the time it seemed like just an existence.

I was not a religious person before. Perhaps somewhere deep down I felt that there was some kind of Higher Power, but I didn’t pay much attention to it. Life was so real and tangible that I didn’t think about spiritual and eternal things.

But when we were left without anything, I realized that there are things more important than earthly and material things. It took me a while to realize this. I had not only a broken home, but my life itself was broken.

But in the most difficult moments, I felt that I was not alone. God did not leave me, even when I thought I had lost everything. The people we met here helped us in our time of need. They shared food, supported us with words, and were just there for us. It was a manifestation of true kindness, of the very love of God that I had only heard about but never felt before.

Thanks to these people, and especially Pastor Mykhailo’s family, I realized that we are not alone in our grief. God works through the kind hearts of those who are not indifferent to the pain of others. I realized that it was through these trials that He showed me that His love is always there for me, even when it seems that everything is lost.

Now I want to focus my life on serving God. I am grateful to Him for His love, for His support in the most difficult times, and for the people He has sent on our path. Despite the losses, I have learned to see more than just the material world, and now every new day is a chance for me to be grateful for His mercies.

Thank you very much for your help in the form of food! It is a real salvation for me. In this difficult time, when I cannot work due to health problems, this food package is like a ray of light. Your support has come at the right time, and I feel deeply grateful for your care and attention. It is really more than just food – it is a sign that I was not left alone with my difficulties. May God bless you!

In a time of great uncertainty, God is bringing help, healing, and hope to the people of Ukraine through SGA-supported pastors, churches, a seminary, and SGA-supported Compassion Ministry. Be a part of God’s incredible work with your generosity and prayer support.

Your gift of compassion helps struggling people with emergency aid that generally includes Scripture materials, food, and hygiene supplies.