Changing Lives in Ukraine

Roma children living in the forest in Kyiv.

Dear friends,

I’m reaching out to extend a heartfelt gratitude from Pastor Misha in Ukraine for your ongoing support.

For years, Pastor Misha has been serving Gypsy families of around 100 people who live in extreme poverty, struggling to survive in makeshift huts in the forest. The war has pushed them further into the forest making it very difficult to scavenge for items to sell to feed their families. Pastor Misha’s tireless efforts caring for this discriminated-against group is difficult but fruitful. Several families have found hope and comfort in faith and are attending church.

Pastor Misha shares: “In the heat of summer or the cold of winter, groups of small children, dirty and dressed in rags, peek out from behind the bushes, eagerly anticipating my weekly Sunday visit. In a single file line, they march behind me as I navigate the dense brush to their camp. Interrupting each other, they excitedly share something important. Once we arrive at the camp, parents warmly invite us into their ‘homes’ and offer what little they have to eat. Though they are often half-starved and possess nothing in this world, they greet us with joy and a generous spirit.”

Each Sunday, Pastor Misha drives to the forest to pick up several families and bring them to his church. After the service, they receive food, baby formula, medical care, and the opportunity to bathe and wash their clothes. The spiritual transformation is equally powerful, as many are discovering a new sense of belonging and the love of Christ.

Though progress is being made, these families still have a long way to go in breaking free from old vices, learning responsibility and caring for their loved ones. With God’s help, Pastor Misha believes that change is possible, that the youth and children can learn new skills and break the mould for the next generation.

Thank you for being part of this life-changing work.

While many are focused on bringing aid and help to other families in Ukraine, the Gypsy community is greatly forgotten. Please pray that Pastor Misha and his team will have the resources needed to continue their work and bring many more families into the hope and salvation found in Christ.

Together, we are helping raise these families out of darkness and into God’s grace. Your prayers and partnership make a huge difference.

Thank you!

May God bless you for helping those who are the least among us.

Paul H. Popov, International President