For many years, Andrii has been one of those people who stands with others when life becomes difficult.
Through his ministry as a chaplain, he has supported servicemen facing fear, uncertainty and the realities of war. He has prayed with those preparing to go to the front, encouraged men afraid of being wounded or losing their lives, and remained alongside families carrying the heaviest burden of all – the loss of someone they loved.
Andrii remembers that some of the hardest moments of his chaplaincy ministry were funerals. There are times when human words seem painfully inadequate, yet someone still needs to be there - to pray with a grieving family, share their sorrow and bring whatever comfort is possible. Andrii has done this again and again, with deep compassion and the conviction that even in the darkest circumstances, the love of Christ can still reach a human heart.
For many years, Andrii has served alongside Vadym, our representative in Ukraine, sharing in the ministry’s work with churches, chaplains, servicemen and communities across the country. That partnership continued through some of the most dangerous days following the full-scale invasion in 2022, when uncertainty was everywhere and simply continuing to serve required courage, faith and determination.
His life and ministry are a practical testimony of faithfulness to God, love for Ukraine, loyalty in friendship and brotherhood, and genuine commitment to the Church. Over the years, he has also encouraged and guided other chaplains beginning their own ministry, offering not only experience but a personal example of what it means to serve with courage, dignity and compassion.
He has carried the light of Christ into places where darkness has often seemed overwhelming, bringing prayer, hope and, most importantly, the message of salvation to people who sometimes felt there was nowhere else to turn.
For years, Andrii has stood with others. Recently, it became our turn to stand with him.
This has been a demanding season for him personally. His apartment has recently been damaged in the relentless Russian bombardments and still requires significant repairs, and he continues to carry responsibility for his family. We were grateful to spend time with Andrii, pray together, encourage him and provide financial support towards these practical needs.
For us, this was more than responding to an immediate difficulty. It was an expression of the same loyalty, friendship and Christian unity that Andrii himself has shown to so many others.
And this support is possible because of those who faithfully stand with the ministry from Britain.
When someone gives in the UK, that generosity does not remain an anonymous figure on a page. In Ukraine, it becomes practical help and genuine encouragement. It can ease a burden, change someone’s circumstances and remind a person who has spent years supporting others that he, too, has not been forgotten.
For this, both Andrii and our team are deeply grateful.
We thank God for the many years we have already served together and for everything still ahead. We pray that the Lord will preserve and strengthen this unity as we continue to organize National Prayer, serve the military and the people of Ukraine, encourage those who need hope, support the ministry of chaplains and build greater unity among the churches.
There is still much to do, and we believe that together we will continue to serve God, His Kingdom and the people of Ukraine with faithfulness, courage and love.