These are some of the young people who recently committed their lives to Christ.
Look at these faces.
These are some of the young people who have recently committed their lives to Jesus.
Some have grown up in the shadow of war. Others have been forced from their homes. Nearly all have experienced fear, uncertainty, or loss.
Yet today they are discovering something stronger than war.
They’re finding hope.
They’re finding friendship.
And they’re finding it through a small church led by two refugee pastors who refused to believe that losing everything meant their ministry was over.
That’s why we’re sharing their story.
Paradise to Occupation
Have you ever heard of the Ukrainian city of Berdyansk?
Most Canadians haven’t. Before the war, however, Berdyansk was one of Ukraine’s premier seaside resorts. Home to about 130,000 people, it welcomed more than 450,000 visitors every summer. With its golden beaches, marina, Europe’s largest water park, dolphinarium, safari zoo, and beautiful parks, it was considered one of the country’s finest places to visit.
It was a city full of life.
Then, in February 2022, everything changed.
Berdyansk was one of the first cities to fall during Russia’s invasion. Businesses closed. Schools closed. Churches were forced to close.
Pastor Leonid and his wife, Tanya Lobach, suddenly lost their home, their church, and the community they had faithfully served.
Our friend and translator, Oleksii Zabielin, who ministered in the same region, was also forced to flee with his family. Like millions of Ukrainians, they all became refugees. 
Rebuilding Lives
Most people would understand if Leonid and Tanya had spent the next few years simply trying to rebuild their own lives.
Instead, they asked a different question:
“Lord, who needs us now?”
They settled in a small village near Poltava in eastern Ukraine. They arrived with very little, but they still possessed the one thing no army could take from them—their calling.
So, they did what faithful pastors do.
They gathered displaced families. They comforted grieving people, preached the Gospel and discipled followers of Jesus.
And they planted a new church.
Not a church for people who had everything together.
A church for refugees.
A church for people searching for hope.
One ministry has become especially close to their hearts: children and teenagers.
Children and Teens
Think about that for a moment.
Children trying to make sense of life during a war are being loved, encouraged, and introduced to Jesus by pastors who are themselves refugees.
That is the kind of hope that changes lives.
Like many pastors throughout Ukraine, Leonid receives little or no financial support from the church. Most pastors support themselves through a trade or small business while serving their congregations.
Our friend Ed Dickson of Loads of Love has come to know Leonid and Tanya well. He describes them as “stable, respected, and friendly people.” They are also raising their beautiful seven-year-old granddaughter.
Recently, Leonid was able to obtain an older church building where the congregation can gather.
It was an answer to prayer. 
Renovation Required
But the building desperately needs renovation.
There is no indoor plumbing.
Yes…in 2026.
Leonid dreams of creating something much more than a renovated building.
He dreams of a warm, welcoming church where families can gather, where children can learn, and where teenagers can have a room of their own—a safe place to build friendships, discover purpose, and hear about Jesus. It would be the only youth gathering space in their community.
The church needs to install an indoor washroom and septic system, upgrade the heating, replace inefficient windows and doors, and renovate a youth room.
The wonderful part is this:
Leonid and members of the church know how to do the work. They have the skills to handle the plumbing, framing, electrical work, and renovations themselves.
They simply cannot afford the building materials.
The total cost is approximately $15,000 Canadian.
REVwords Can Help
Jocelyn and I have told Leonid and Tanya that we will do everything we can to help. We are trusting God to provide through the generosity of friends who believe that even in the middle of war, the Church should continue to grow.
Our goal is to raise these funds by the fall so construction can begin before winter.
Then, in late November, we plan to return to Ukraine. One of the highlights of our trip will be visiting this church and helping Leonid and Tanya host a community outreach for local young people.
Would you prayerfully consider partnering with us?
Your gift won’t simply purchase lumber, windows, or plumbing supplies.
It will help create a place where children can laugh again.
Where teenagers can belong…
… families can worship.
… refugees can find community.
Where people can meet Jesus.
We continue to believe that one day these ministries will flourish in a sovereign, peaceful, and free Ukraine.
And when that day comes, I believe people will remember those who stood with them when hope seemed hardest to find.
Thank you for praying.
Thank you for caring.
And thank you for helping us build hope—one church, one family, and one life at a time.
P.S. A gift of any amount will help purchase the materials Leonid and Tanya need. Together, we can turn an old building into a place where young people discover new life in Christ. Your church could partner with a sister church in Ukraine.
Give to “Ukraine – Jones Ministry” to be receipted.
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