In the small village of Pyshchyky, 60 miles south of Kyiv, an extraordinary story of faith, resilience, and unwavering dedication unfolds through the lives of seven remarkable siblings. Their tale begins at the Word of Life Church, established in 1998 as a beacon of evangelical faith in a predominantly Orthodox community. What was once a small but vibrant congregation now stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of these young believers.
Tragedy struck this close-knit family when their mother succumbed to cancer, leaving behind her precious children: Olena (24), Viktoria (23), Misha (21), Sofia (19), Ira (16), and twins Sasha and Anya (13). Their grief was compounded when their father, the church’s pastor, abandoned his faith and fled to Europe, initially taking the younger children with him to secure refugee benefits. The pain of separation deepened as he began a new life with another woman, using the children as means for financial gain. In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the younger siblings pleaded with their older brothers and sisters to rescue them from this situation, choosing their faith and homeland over the comforts of refugee status.
Against all odds, these seven siblings have become the pillars of their small church community. Twenty-one-year-old Misha, stepping into his father’s former role, now shepherds a congregation where most members are old enough to be his grandparents. The wisdom and maturity displayed by these young leaders defy their years, their faith strengthened by the memory of their mother watching from heaven.
While they receive occasional guidance from denominational leaders in Kyiv, these siblings largely navigate their challenges alone. Their story recently came to light through Converge, a Baptist denomination actively involved in Ukrainian ministry. Despite their circumstances, they maintain remarkable optimism, though tears occasionally breach their brave facades when sharing their journey.
The siblings currently subsist on dwindling family savings, while their elderly congregation members, themselves struggling with wartime hardships, cannot offer financial support. In this critical moment, these young servants of God need more than prayers – they need practical support to continue their vital ministry.
The immediate need is for consistent monthly support of $600, which could be provided by one church or shared between two churches at $300 each. This support would not only ensure their basic needs are met but would also allow them to continue their ministry without the burden of financial uncertainty. Beyond monetary assistance, these siblings need spiritual mentorship and the encouragement of knowing they’re not alone in their journey.
As war continues to cast its shadow over Ukraine, these seven siblings stand as a powerful reminder of faith’s ability to overcome adversity. Their story calls out to churches in the West to consider a deeper partnership through a Sister Church relationship, offering not just financial support but also the spiritual fellowship these young leaders so deeply deserve.
In their resilience, we witness the very essence of Christian faith – the light that refuses to be extinguished, even in the darkest of times. Their commitment to their church, their community, and most importantly, their faith, stands as an inspiration to believers worldwide.