November 8, 2025
Day 1384
Winter has arrived with its cold and grey days, yet December still carries the warm anticipation of the coming holidays. Even as air raid alerts grow more frequent and blackouts deepen, our people long for a moment of celebration. And Christmas, the holiday that brings light into the darkest season, fills hearts with joy—because the birth of Jesus gives us hope.
We cannot put up bright decorations outside, as they might attract drones. Our enemy continues to target energy facilities, trying to leave us without power and heat this winter. Yet inside our homes and churches, we decorate with joy, allowing ourselves—for a little while—to forget the war and everything difficult around us. Even when the electricity is out and we are surrounded by darkness, we switch on our flashlights, rehearse the Christmas program, prepare costumes, and wrap gifts. Soon we will share our Christmas play and skits, and we hope with all our hearts to bring our community the joy of peace and hope through the Christmas story.
In these difficult days, when so many around us feel the weight of despair and depression brought on by the war, we feel an even greater desire to bring light to our community. We want to offer moments of warmth and encouragement, to remind people that they are not alone, and to let the hope of Christmas shine into places darkened by fear and uncertainty.
One of the most meaningful moments of our week is our visit with the children at the orphanage. We treasure every minute we spend together—discussing Bible stories, drawing, playing, and singing motion songs. Sometimes the children pull us aside to talk privately and share their struggles or secrets.
There is 13-year-old Art, still grieving the loss of his mother who passed away six months ago. From time to time he runs away to spend a few quiet hours at her grave, and then gently returns. Alyona shares her dreams of becoming a journalist and always whispers her request for her favorite sweets as we leave. Vanya waits every Saturday for his grandfather to visit; when he cannot come, Vanya’s disappointment is deep. And Kostya, usually so quiet, suddenly comes alive during games—his eyes light up, and he becomes active and talkative. Each child carries a whole story within their heart.
Recently, we received wonderful news: despite the war and all the challenges these children face, four of them will soon be welcomed into a foster family. We are truly grateful and deeply happy for them.
We are gathering Christmas packages for our soldiers, hoping to send them not only small gifts but also our love, prayers, and warm holiday wishes. Sadly, none of our church members who are serving on the front lines will be able to come home for Christmas this year. We will miss Dr. Anya, Paul, and Ivan deeply. We continue to lift them up in prayer, asking God to guard and protect them in every moment. We also look back with deep fondness on the Christmas concert Ivan organized in our church last year. Even in the midst of his service, he found an opportunity to prepare it during his free time. It was a beautiful gift to us and to our whole community.
And we recently received another unexpected joy: a little dog has joined our home. We took her in from a refugee family who had been given the puppy as a gift but were unable to care for her. Her name is Lana, and she is wonderful—bringing us so many positive emotions and bright moments each day.
We are living through difficult times, yet the Lord does not abandon us. He gives us moments of joy, sustains us, and helps us keep going. I hold on to the hope that peace will return to our country and that we will one day be able to live in safety once again.
Dear friends, thank you for your prayers, your support, and your steadfast stand against evil. I am deeply grateful for each one of you. May the Lord bless you and your families with His special grace during this holiday season, and may the joy of Christmas fill your hearts with peace and hope.
Please, send your donations to Pathway Ministries: http://www.pathwayministriesinc.org
In Christ,
Lyuda
P.S. I am sharing photos from our work with a group of refugees, pictures of our time with the children at the orphanage during a blackout, and images of the destroyed homes in our neighborhood after the most recent drone attack and the photo of our dog.
