As we reflect on the remarkable journey of planting One Community Church in Velyki Lazy, Ukraine, we are overwhelmed by how clearly God orchestrates every detail according to His perfect will. This small village, along with the dozen surrounding communities, does not have a church in their presence that proclaims the true Gospel—a reality that has weighed heavily on our hearts and ignited our passion for this calling.
The Lord has been faithful to confirm His call on our lives through the people He strategically places in our path. When we partnered with New Hope Evangelical Church in Uzhhorod, we witnessed the first of many divine confirmations. Their heart for the unreached villages perfectly aligned with our burden, and together we began taking steps of faith toward this church plant. While we have incredible developments to share about One Community Church’s progress, those exciting updates will come in a future report that will surely bring glory to our faithful God.
Perhaps the most remarkable confirmation came through an unexpected connection with Converge, a movement that has been instrumental in successful church planting across America. Having grown up within what was then known as the Baptist General Conference, Marina and I never imagined how God would weave this childhood foundation into our current ministry. When Converge graciously invited us to their European and Mediterranean Regional Conference in Krakow, Poland in late September, we witnessed God’s hand opening doors we never expected.
At this gathering celebrating Converge International’s work, the Lord surrounded us with new friends and fellow laborers who shared our heart for reaching the lost. The relationships formed during those precious days have already begun bearing fruit, including a visit by Converge representatives to Uzhhorod that has strengthened our ministry in ways we are still discovering. What moves us most is recognizing that these connections with Converge began forming even before One Community Church was a vision—initially as we explored planting an international church among university students in Uzhhorod.
Though the war interrupted those early plans, God’s timing proves perfect once again. The training we received at Converge S2 Conferences and their generous sharing of proven church planting resources has become the very foundation accelerating our current work in Velyki Lazy. Where we once saw setbacks, we now see God’s sovereign preparation for what He always intended.
None of this would be possible without you, our faithful prayer and financial supporters. You are not merely donors or prayer warriors—you are true partners in this eternal work. Every prayer you lift up, every sacrificial gift you send, every word of encouragement you share makes you an integral part of what God is accomplishing in these Ukrainian villages. When souls come to faith in Christ through One Community Church, you will share in that eternal joy because your partnership made it possible.
As we move forward, we ask you to continue standing with us in prayer and support. The harvest is ready, the workers are in place, and God is moving powerfully. Together, we have the privilege of witnessing Christ build His church in places where His name has never been proclaimed. To Him alone belongs all glory, honor, and praise for what He is accomplishing through our united partnership in the Gospel.