Gospel Work Continues Amid Escalating Attacks in Ukraine

As summer comes to an end, ministry continues to grow across Ukraine despite ongoing attacks and increasing challenges caused by the war. Over the past month, the Gospel Today team has seen new opportunities to minister, new Story of Hope groups begin, and the number of students studying God’s Word grow to more than 400.

At the same time, the team continues to face the realities of living and serving in a city regularly targeted by missiles and drones.

Ministering to a Survivor of a Ship Attack

One of the ministry opportunities this summer came through a survivor of an attack on a ship in the port of Odesa.

Through what Caleb described as “really a miracle,” he was connected with Blesson, an Indian national who was aboard the Golden Leo when the ship was struck by two Russian missiles. Of the 18 people aboard, only seven or eight survived, including Blesson. Caleb was able to visit Blesson in the hospital, provide him with a Bible, and later welcome him to church. Blesson also shared his experience in an interview that is now available on the Gospel Today channel.

The attack was part of a series of heavy strikes against ships and port facilities in the Odesa area during August. Despite the continued attacks, the Caleb remains thankful for God’s protection and for the opportunity to minister to those affected by the war.

Visit of Gospel Today Leaders

Another highlight of the month was the visit of Graham and Sharon Marshall.

Graham serves as a member of Gospel Today’s advisory council, while Sharon is also considered a vital part of the Gospel Today team. Their visit provided an important opportunity to spend time together, share life and ministry in Ukraine, and see firsthand some of the work taking place. During the visit, Caleb and Graham also traveled to Mykolaiv, where they met with the regional pastor and several pastors from local churches. The meetings focused on the challenges local churches are facing, their current needs, and ways Gospel Today can come alongside them.

These conversations have already led to new ministry opportunities!

Story of Hope Ministry Expanding

As a result of these meetings, two new Story of Hope groups are being started in Mykolaiv, with three additional groups beginning in Zhytomyr. Together, these new groups represent approximately 50 new students in just one month.

The rapid growth has created a practical challenge: the ministry is nearly out of student workbooks. Gospel Today originally printed 1,000 copies approximately two and a half years ago, and only about 13 remain. The team is now working on redesigning and rewriting portions of the material in preparation for another printing. Meanwhile, the number of Story of Hope students continues to grow and now stands at more than 400, with the current estimate around 450 or possibly higher.

Challenges of Mobilization

Alongside the growth, Ukrainian churches continue to face significant challenges because of the mobilization of men during the war.

Last month, Pastor Vitali, one of the Gospel Today group leaders in Odesa, was mobilized. Before his mobilization, he was leading four or five Story of Hope groups involving approximately 50–60 students, many of whom are internally displaced from Odesa and other parts of Ukraine. The church is now working to ensure that these groups can continue meeting and studying through the Story of Hope course.

The Gospel Today team is asking for prayer for Pastor Vitali, as well as for his mother and sister. Vitali had been supporting them, and his mobilization has significantly changed their circumstances.

Independence Day Attacks

Ukraine celebrated 35 years of independence this August, but the occasion came amid the ongoing reality of war.

On Independence Day morning, the Gospel Today team in Odesa was awakened by loud explosions. Later that morning, Caleb saw a thick column of black smoke rising nearby. The source was a large local home-building supply store, similar to a Home Depot. The massive store was destroyed by fire.

The attack was another reminder that even national celebrations are taking place under the threat of continued Russian attacks.

The area surrounding the church has also experienced several attacks in recent weeks. Caleb noted that one of the weapons being used is the Banderole, a hybrid missile-drone carrying fragmentation designed to spread over a wide area. Fragments from these attacks have been found around the church property and on the street outside. Caleb’s son, Nickolas, found several of them near the church.

Preparing for the Fall

Despite the difficult circumstances, several important ministry events are planned for September.

The church will hold a retreat next week, providing an opportunity for members to spend time together, encourage one another, and share the Gospel. Not everyone attending is currently a believer, making the retreat an additional opportunity for evangelism.

Immediately afterward, Gospel Today will host its Refresh Retreat for leaders of Story of Hope groups. Approximately 65 leaders are currently registered. The retreat will provide an opportunity to encourage those serving in the Bible study ministry and to hear about their experiences. Many of the leaders are internally displaced themselves or are actively ministering to internally displaced people.

A Call for Prayer

As the fall begins, the Gospel Today team is asking supporters to pray for several specific needs: safety for the church and ministry team amid continued missile and drone attacks; for Pastor Vitali and his family; the continuation of the Story of Hope groups he was leading; the new groups beginning in Mykolaiv and Zhytomyr; and the upcoming church and leadership retreats.

The team is also asking for prayer as they revise and reprint the Story of Hope student workbooks to meet the growing demand.

Even in the midst of war, the ministry continues to see opportunities to serve, disciple, and share the Gospel. They are very grateful for your prayer support and for your financial support of Gospel Today!