When a Russian drone struck Light of the Gospel Church in Balakliia, Pastor Oleksandr was inside preparing people for baptism. Much of the building was quickly engulfed in flames. Firefighters battled the flames for nearly twelve hours before putting it out.

"Light of the Gospel Church" in Balelkiya has been a beacon of hope for people throughout the war, even in 2022 when Russians took control of the city. Now, as church on the front lines they serve thousands of people in need and bring the hope of the gospel to them.

It was haeartbreaking for church members and the community to see the church in flames. Yet, the following day was Sunday so Pastor Oleksandr invited people to gather and clear the rubble, more than one hundred came—believers and unbelievers, children and adults. Together they cleaned and sang praises to God.

“The church simply didn’t break,” he told me during our recent retreat for Bible study group leaders.

Oleksandr knows the cost of serving Christ in a danger zone. During the Russian occupation, he was arrested and tortured. He and his wife fled to Poland, but continued praying about where God wanted them to serve.

“I truly couldn’t even begin to imagine what my life would be like without ministry,” he explained.

After Balakliia’s liberation, they returned. Their church provided food and medicine, repaired damaged homes, listened to grieving neighbors, and opened the Bible with them.

Today, that ministry extends through four daughter churches and groups in twelve surrounding villages. They are using our Story of Hope Bible studies as a way to bring true gospel hope to peolpe. Some have repented and been baptized; others continue studying.

“Every single story ultimately leads us right back to Christ,” Oleksandr said of the course.

The needs remain great. Years of war bring exhaustion, fear, and the danger of hearts hardening under grief. Yet these believers continue serving their neighbors and pointing them to Jesus.

Please pray for churches in Ukraine: for protection, strength, tender hearts, and lasting peace. Pray that those studying Scripture will trust Christ.

Please also support pastors like Oleksandr, who faithfully serve in danger zones. Your gift to Gospel Today helps us stand alongside these leaders as they bring the hope of Jesus through our Story of Hope Bible studies.