June 18, 2026 (Day 1576)
News from Ukraine
For more than four years, war has shaped the rhythm of our daily lives. Some routines have become so familiar that it is hard to imagine life without them. One of those routines is constantly checking the sky through online monitoring channels. Is anything flying? Where is it headed? Is our city in danger? Has Kyiv been targeted again? Many mornings begin with the same questions. Our son and his wife live in Kyiv, a city that continues to endure relentless attacks. Some nights, dozens of missiles and hundreds of drones are launched toward Ukraine’s capital. Before anything else, we reach for our phones and ask, “How are you? How was your night?” They always try to reassure us. “Everything is fine. We were in a shelter.” Their words bring relief, yet the worry never completely leaves. We know that when missiles are approaching, there is not always enough time to reach safety. Sometimes events unfold within seconds.
On the nights when our city comes under attack, the roles are reversed. Early in the morning, our son calls us with the very same questions: “How are you? How was your night?” This simple exchange has become a part of our family’s life during the war. It is a reminder of how deeply connected we are, even when separated by distance. It is also a reminder of the reality millions of Ukrainian families face every day—going to bed uncertain of what the night may bring, and waking up grateful for another opportunity to hear the voices of those they love. While the world often measures war in statistics, headlines, and military reports, for us it is measured in phone calls, sleepless nights, and the precious words: “We are safe.”
Modern warfare has become a war of drones and missiles. Having failed to achieve its goals on the battlefield, Russia continues to wage a campaign of destruction against civilian communities across Ukraine. Instead of military victories, cities, churches, hospitals, schools, and homes have become targets. Our small town is a painful example of this reality. An ambulance station has been damaged. A school and a maternity hospital have been struck. An electrical substation that supplied power to the community has been destroyed. Countless private homes have been damaged or reduced to rubble. Behind every damaged building is a human story—a family that has lost its sense of security, parents trying to protect their children, and elderly people who have seen their lives turned upside down. Most tragically, Russia’s attacks have taken the lives of many people in our town. These are not statistics. They were our neighbors, friends, colleagues, and loved ones. Their absence is felt every day.
Yet even amid this destruction, our community continues to endure. We grieve those we have lost, support those who have suffered, and trust God to sustain us as we move forward one day at a time. It is very important that our little church has become a center of peace, warmth, love, and reassurance for many people. After every Sunday worship, we organize a lunch and people stay in the church to socialize. Then we hold catechism classes or discuss some topics that are close to everyone: supporting the military, helping ourselves and others in difficult times, etc. This brings people together in the church and makes people from outside want to come and become part of our community.
We are also grateful for opportunities to celebrate joyful milestones in the life of our church. Last month, we had the privilege of witnessing the marriage blessing of Svitlana and Vyacheslav. Svitlana faithfully serves as the music leader in our church, while her husband is currently serving on the front lines defending Ukraine. Their wedding was a beautiful reminder that even in the midst of war, God continues to give reasons for hope, joy, and thanksgiving. As a church family, we rejoice with them and pray for God’s protection over Vyacheslav, as well as for all the men and women serving our country.
For the past several months, our group of counselors has been studying the Book of Proverbs together. The wisdom and practical guidance we found in its pages inspired us to write a series of devotional reflections based on our study. These devotionals have now been compiled into a small book “Steps to Wisdom”. (It is available for purchase on Amazon) We pray that the truths and encouragement we discovered through Proverbs will inspire and strengthen others in their daily walk with God, just as they have inspired us.
Thank you for standing with us through your prayers, encouragement, and support. Your partnership enables us to continue serving our church and community during these challenging times. Please continue to pray for peace in Ukraine, for the protection of our soldiers and civilians, and for the churches that faithfully share the hope of Christ amid the darkness of war.
Please, send your donations to Pathway Ministries:
http://www.pathwayministriesinc.org
In Christ,
Lyuda
