Voice of Ukraine

From: Lyuda Betina (Day 1342)

News from Ukraine
We continue to live in the midst of war, waiting for peace and quiet days. And although our lives go on, we work, we study, we go to church, the shadow of war constantly hangs over us. From time to time, our town is attacked, and with every new strike, more buildings are damaged or destroyed. It is painful to see familiar streets changing because of the war. Yet, in the midst of destruction, people continue to help one another, rebuild what is possible, and support those who suffer.

In our Christian Counseling Center, we continue to meet with people whose hearts are wounded by the war. I want to share with you some stories:

The story of Iryna, a mother of two, is sadly typical in today’s Ukraine. Her husband is defending the country, while she is left to raise their children alone—trying to be a mother, a wife, and a steady source of support for her family. Iryna shared that she is going through a very difficult time with her teenage son, who has become increasingly rebellious. Her conversations with her husband over the phone often end in misunderstandings, and it feels as if a wall has grown between them. The daily routine of housework, caring for the children, and enduring constant air alarms has drained her completely. She has lost interest in life and feels empty inside. When we began therapy,

Iryna felt immediate relief simply from having a safe place to speak and be heard. Gradually, she began to learn how to care for herself, to rediscover what truly matters to her, and to re-evaluate her life priorities. After just two weeks, a smile returned to her face. She found new interests, meaningful activities, and a sense of safety and peace. We continue therapy, and Iryna is now on the path to recovery. She knows that she is precious to God, that her life is filled with gifts, and that there is One who will never leave her and always takes care of her. There are many stories like Iryna’s. Our mission at the counseling center is to help each of these people find healing, hope, and faith again.

We also care for children who are especially vulnerable during this time. Our team regularly visits kids in the orphanage, organizes activities for children in our church, and supports refugee families with little ones. It brings joy to see their smiles return, even for a short while, when they play, draw, or listen to Bible stories.

Alina and Kristina are two sisters that came to the orphanage recently because of a difficult situation in the family. The children welcomed them with joy. Since we started visiting these children and telling them about God’s love, they have changed a lot and feel like one family. The girls quickly adapted and little Kristina became a favorite in her group. The older girls pay a lot of attention to her and she feels safe and loved.

Veronica is a little girl from a Korean refugee family who fled the occupied territory and now lives in our city. When they first came to us, she was very frightened.

Veronica wouldn’t talk, avoided eye contact, hid under the table when she heard loud noises, and was terrified of air raid alarms. I have been working with her for almost a year now, and she has changed a lot. We play, draw, learn English, and talk together. She has become open, cheerful, and full of life.

Anya is a little girl who came from Mariupol at the beginning of the war, when she was still a baby. She and her mother went through a terrible time, hiding in a basement without water or food. Now her family lives at our church. Anya attends Sunday school, and just yesterday during the service, she sang a song about how much Jesus loves her.

Another very special event for us yesterday was the baptism of Nika, a refugee girl who came to our town with her family at the beginning of the war. Her father evacuated his wife and five children from enemy-occupied territory under heavy shelling. After settling them safely in our town, he joined the army but was later seriously wounded. He is now paralyzed, and his wife and children lovingly care for him at home. Nika is the youngest in the family. Since their first days in our town, she has been attending our church. She started in Sunday school, then joined the youth ministry, and is now one of the most active young people in the church. Nika helps in the kitchen, assists the youth ministry leaders, takes part in all our events, and has even learned to operate the sound system during services. She is only 16 years old, attends vocational school, and dreams of becoming a chef. Most importantly, her heart is open to Jesus, and she wants to serve Him and His Church.

Many of the people we work with have lost their homes, relatives, or hope for the future. Through counseling, prayer, and compassionate presence, we help them process trauma and find healing. Each conversation is also an opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus, who gives comfort and peace that no war can destroy. We are deeply grateful for your support that allows us to continue this ministry.
Thank you for standing with us in prayer and support. Your faithfulness helps us bring light into dark places, remind people that God has not forgotten them, and show His love in practical ways every day.

Please, send your donations to:

Pathway Ministries
E. Langston Haygood,D.Min.,Ph.D.
Pathway Ministries, Inc.
288 Huntington Parc Circle
Birmingham, AL 35226
(205)835-3325
⁦http://www.pathwayministriesinc.org

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In Christ,
Lyuda