700 kms of driving, delivering food, preaching, supporting a fellow pastor, and keeping an ear open for incoming rockets. All in a day’s work for one Ukrainian pastor.
A Day’s Work
Vadim and Tanya Ignatenko are pastors in Poltava and area in Ukraine. They welcomed me into their churches and their friendship over the last seven months. Vadim enjoys coffee, loves his family, and is devoted to ministry. The Ignatenkos are leaders and church planters. They give oversight to 35 men and women leading churches and rehab centres in their small region. Vadim pastors the largest congregation of over 300 people in Poltava.
Vadim is no stranger to hard work or to war. He took me along on two humanitarian trips near the frontlines. That is his regular ministry practise for the last 28 months. Food and hope are delivered to people living on the edge of disaster.
On Wednesday this week he messaged me:
“We brought help to the city of Kramatorsk, the front line is already very close to it, 15 kilometers away. This city is 350 kilometers from Poltava.
We traveled 700 kilometers in two directions to serve and help them. I left home at 7am and got home at 10pm.
We gave aid to local pastors (family) who serve local people in need. Every day they live under bombs and rockets. They have 3 children.”
All in a day’s work. 
Kramatorsk, Donetsk
If you follow what is happening in Ukraine, you may remember the name Kramatorsk or saw pictures of what was once their railway station. On 8 April 2022, Kramatorsk was devastated by a missile strike. Thousands of civilians were at the railway station trying to evacuate to safer regions in the war-ravaged country. The station was hit by missiles which killed at least 61 people, including 7 children, and wounded at least 159 others. 
Who picks up the pieces?
Social workers, chaplains, and pastors who remained. And their load is heavy and unrelenting.
“This city is in the Donetsk region. And the Russians have set a goal to capture it.”
Kramatorsk is a city of 157,000 residents. Similar in size to like Abbotsford, BC, or St Catherines, Ontario. Thousands evacuated in 2022. Most have returned. Rebuilding life in Kramatorsk is beyond complex.
As you can see by the images Vadim sent on Wednesday, there is nothing in Canada that compares to the destruction families are facing. These were bustling, happy neighbourhoods two years ago.
Its summer here. Schools are closed. But students have been without classrooms for two years because of the risk of rocket attacks. Students in the first two grades have never attended school onsite because of the war. 
Inspired
Vadim concluded his note,
“I was very inspired to travel today and serve people.”
There are no additional peas on Vadim’s plate because of what he does. His work is thankless and without fanfare. But he and Tanya carry on.
A few Canadian dollars go a long way in Ukraine. $10 CAN will have the effect of $100. Translated into non-perishables and fresh bread and the intangibles of hope and comfort, your support can help Vadim help people. Each time he brings supplies he also brings the gospel. He works alongside local pastors to preach about Jesus and hope and deliver kindness. Ukraine is wide open to the gospel.
You can make a difference. Donate here through Loads of Love, under WRR Ukraine Jones, note “ for Vadim.” Receive a charitable receipt for your donation.
I thank you. Vadim and Tanya thank you.
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