Global Partner’s Update from Ukraine

“By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and truth.” (1 John 3:16-18)  

When President Vladimir Putin ordered troops across Ukraine’s borders in late February, it marked the beginning of a war that has since incited international turmoil and an intense humanitarian crisis. By the first of October, the United Nations verified more than 6,000 civilian deaths and millions of Ukrainian refugees as a result of the ongoing attack.  

In the eight months since Russian forces first began their invasion, our long-time Ukrainian partners, Igor and Suzanna Fedorovych have completely shifted the focus of their church ministry to serve those impacted by the war.  

At the first onslaught of Russian troops, Igor and Suzanna were fully invested in aiding the evacuation of their fellow Ukrainians to the safety of neighboring sanctuaries. Aided by the generosity of Woodside, they provided housing, fuel, and other necessities to hundreds of refugees making their way across the country’s border. During this time, they delivered a truckload of food to a neighborhood occupied by Russian soldiers and launched a program that offered support and mentorship to disadvantaged Ukrainian youth.  

After initially being forced to relocate from Kyiv at the war’s inception, Igor and Suzanna were able to return to their home in July to relaunch live services with their congregation at Resurrection Church. The church doors are open every day to those who need care, and the couple has additionally launched a social center to tend to the increasing needs of their surrounding neighborhood – an area that has sloped into poverty due to the impact of widespread unemployment.  

Led by Igor and Suzanna, the church congregation is daily washing clothes, feeding those in need, distributing essential medication and toiletries, and holding up their community through counseling and prayer. Their congregation has grown exponentially, and the church is adding an additional service to accommodate the crowds that are now coming to worship with them.  

Igor estimates that the work of their ministry, supported by the prayers and donations of Woodside, has impacted more than 6,000 Ukrainians since the beginning of the war. He and Suzanna continue to minister to the youth in their area – supporting them with short-term housing solutions, providing them with food, and loving them like family. Their program serves at least 80 teens every week.  

Woodside family, please be in prayer for Igor and Suzanna as they continue to act as the hands and feet of Christ in Ukraine.   

“[We] request prayers for peace and victory. We really need you – thanks for your friendship and prayers. May God bless you!” – Igor Fedorovych