At The Gospel Today, our mission is to equip the Church with biblical resources and practical tools for evangelism and discipleship—helping believers bring the hope of Christ to their communities, whether in times of peace or crisis. This vision extends far beyond Ukraine’s borders. In recent months, it has reached into the heart of Europe, where many Ukrainian believers are planting new churches and forming fellowships among displaced families. The recent Bavarian Regional Conference in Munich became one of the clearest examples of how this mission continues to bear fruit.

A Gathering That United Bavaria

This conference marked a significant milestone in the spiritual life of Bavaria. More than 100 participants from 20 different cities gathered—pastors, church planters, and ministry teams—each representing a new or growing congregation. The goal was not only to worship together but also to reflect deeply on God’s calling in today’s world and to plan practical cooperation across the Bavarian region.

The conference theme, “Mission and Calling in a Changing World,” centered on the biblical story of the prophet Jonah. Participants examined Jonah’s internal struggle, his transformation of heart, and the renewal of his mission perspective. His story provided a powerful foundation for discussing the modern-day challenges of ministry. Adding a rich international dimension, missionary Kostiantyn Bakanov from Croatia shared insights from his own ministry experience, bringing both depth and practical wisdom to the discussions.

The Power of Practical Tools for Ministry

Evangelism and discipleship are not abstract ideas—they require practical tools to take root and flourish. This need is especially strong among those living in migration, where quality ministry materials in one’s native language are often in short supply.

That’s where The Gospel Today ministry plays a crucial role. As part of a broader support network for new and developing churches, Gospel Today provides vital resources for evangelism and small group discipleship.

Among the most sought-after materials at the conference were small group studies such as “Happiness Despite Everything” and “Teach Us to Pray,” as well as evangelistic magazines like “Unpacking Easter” and “Independence.”

These resources proved effective for several key reasons:

• A Tool for Healing and Hope:
  Many refugees and displaced people carry deep emotional scars from war and loss. Structured study guides and personal journals offer a safe space for reflection, healing, and spiritual renewal.
• Relevant Themes:
  For those who have experienced instability, Jesus’ words about blessing “those who mourn” and “the poor in spirit” speak directly to their hearts as messages of hope.
• Accessible Language:
  Using clear, simple language—free from complex theological jargon—makes these materials approachable for people in emotional distress. Moreover, the ability to discuss deep spiritual truths in one’s native language creates an immediate sense of home and comfort in a foreign land.

A Bridge for Growth and Development

As part of The Gospel Today team, my role is to help organize such conferences, build relationships with pastors and leaders, and provide much-needed tools for evangelism and discipleship. In essence, our ministry serves as a bridge—connecting people, strengthening churches, and equipping believers to bring the gospel to their communities.

The Munich conference was a shining example of how, by working together and sharing timely resources, the church can meet today’s challenges with faith and creativity—building strong, healthy congregations that bring hope and healing wherever they are planted.

-Pastor Roman Kalashnikov
Augsburg, Germany