Pastoring in War: A Ukrainian Pastor Shares His Experience (VIDEO)

By Tom Mills, Jul 12, 2022

When war broke out in Ukraine on February 24, members of Holy Trinity Church in Kyiv knew life was about to change dramatically. Many decided to leave, but many others could not or did not have that option. Pastor Ivan Bespalov assured them that the church would not leave them behind. About 1/3 of the congregation decided to stay in Kyiv, and Pastor Ivan set about pastoring both those who stayed, and—thanks to technology—those who left, intent that the church would not be divided.

Watch and hear firsthand how one church is not only enduring the crisis, but serving one another and those around them in the name of Christ.

Tom Mills is a content creator for Mission to the World. He is a graduate of Wheaton College. Tom loves meeting and interviewing believers all over the world, capturing stories of God's global church.

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Pray against rape, murder, and capture of men, women, and children in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine. Pray for protection for the vulnerable.

Give thanks for and pray for the Krakow crisis team, the distribution of aid, and the shelter ministry as the team cares for displaced Ukrainians.

Pray for courage for Christ’s followers in and around Ukraine. mtw.org/ukraine-crisis

Pray for families who have evacuated, leaving behind the only place they have ever known. Pray for transition and provision.

Pray for pastors who have stayed behind in Ukraine as they minister to their congregations and the surrounding communities in a time of war.

Pray for the health, rest, and ability to continue for those who are working with and making arrangements for refugees. It can feel like the future of each one of them is in your hands. mtw.org/ukraine-crisis

Pray that our brothers and sisters who have lost everything will cling to the community of believers and ultimate hope in Christ, and for the massive movement of people and the refugee work our teams are involved in focusing on Lviv and Krakow. mtw.org/ukraine-crisis

Pray for Ukraine to trust what is not changeable and to hope in what cannot be lost. May the Church in Ukraine be strengthened through this war. mtw.org/ukraine-crisis

Pray for Ukrainian refugees who are being welcomed by the church in Belgorod to be drawn to Christ.

Pray for MTW's ministry to refugees in Greece, Germany, Ukraine, Uganda, Panama, and the U.S.

Pastoring in War: A Ukrainian Pastor Shares His Experience (VIDEO)

GET INVOLVED

We're In This Together: A Crates for Ukraine Update

An Opportunity For the Ukrainian Church (VIDEO)

The Ukraine Crisis Has Been an Opportunity for the Church to Act as One (VIDEO)

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