HELPING CHILDREN EXPERIENCE GOD'S LOVE

September 2026

Dear friends, I hope you have enjoyed your summer thus far, but it sure has passed quickly — I cannot believe the fall season will be upon us before we know it. I just returned from my oldest daughter’s wedding reception (wedding was in May), and I am so delighted to have a new son-in-law and to see my daughter so happy. She will be living in San Diego which has amazing weather. Photos will be on my personal Facebook for those who are interest in seeing them.

Things are “not” as joyful in Ukraine and things are escalating more than they have in a long time. Ukraine is sending drones deep into Russia and destroying oil and supply chains. Russia has been hitting food storage sites inside Ukraine and has destroyed about 90% of Ukraine’s food storage facilities. If you believe the reports, Russia is planning on hitting Ukraine’s utilities once again, as the cold weather returns soon. There are also updates that the Russia military may engage in a new offensive in another attempt to overtake Kyiv in the future, but I don’t know if this is valid or not. Here is the article: https://www.politico.eu/article/russia-plans-new-ground-attack-on-kyiv-ukraine-warns/. Nevertheless, it is clearly a war of attrition with active shooting on the front lines and with drones being sent daily by each side. There is a total casualty number of almost 3,000,000 dead or injured from both sides, if you believe in parity.

Last month, I almost had a trip to Kharkiv to encourage our ministry partners and to see things firsthand. I wanted to go secretly because my ministry is near the front and I didn’t want anyone to know I was travelling – especially the Russian government, since they are targeting Chrisitans. However, I was “discouraged” from coming because the Russians are intensfying their drone attacks agains civilians. I was told the Russian military is actively engaged in destroying civilian vehicles on the highway, and since I have to drive to multiple locations in a car near the front line, I was asked “not” to come by one of my partners. He said in some ways the war is more dangerous now than in the beginning of the war. Here is a link I posted on my Facebook page of a drone trying to kill a civilian who was simply selling food on the side of the road. He apparently survived, but is in critical condition: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1240160951534409

In this prayer letter, I will highlight Good News Church – Kharkiv that served hurndreds of children this summer. All in all, it was a good summer serving at least 2,000 children through all of our minisry partners. There was much happiness in the midst of a very difficult situation. It brings my heart joy when children can have a smile on their face, even if only momentarily during this war. But sadly, not all children can get past the pain, so please keep these kids in your prayers. Here is the report from Sergei Faliy from Good News Church in Kharkiv:

“Dear friends and ministry partners, we would like to thank you for being so caring, loving and supportive throughout the year; your help is so needed and immensely appreciated by all of us — thank you for making a difference in the lives of children!

This summer, I would like to share two stories with you with one about a family of three children — literally three siblings (two girls and one boy). Sadly, these children have lost both parents, and they are being lovingly cared for by their grandmother. She does everything she can to surround them with love, care and support, but it is very difficult for her to meet all of their financial needs on her own. There is heartache everywhere, but they all try their best in their situation.

Our church has supported this family on many occasions, providing essential assistance, including new clothing for the children. None of this would have been possible without your generous support and compassionate hearts. Because of your kindness, these children and so many other kids were served this summer. It was an opportunity to step away, even if only for a short time, from the hardships of war, experience joy, make new friends, create happy memories, hear the Word of God, and feel surrounded by love and care.

The second story is about a child named Misha that I want to share with you. Misha’s family has endured tremendous hardship and Misha's stepfather is a Ukrainian soldier who defended Ukraine against Russia. After serving on the front lines, he returned home with multiple injuries and the amputation of one of his legs. Tragically, the physical and emotional trauma has had a profound impact on his life. Struggling with his condition, he often turns to alcohol, and sadly, Misha's mother has also become an alcoholic. As a result, Misha is frequently left neglected and unloved at home. We learned about his situation and thanks to your generosity, we were able to give Misha the opportunity to attend a Christian camp, where he experienced an atmosphere of love, acceptance, care, and hope of Jesus. For him, it was a chance to simply be a child—to make new friends, enjoy new experiences, have fun, and create joyful memories.

There are many stories of children who have lost parents in this war or have a parent come back home injured physically or dealing with severe PTSD. Thank you for caring about the lives of children and for helping them experience God's love through the compassion and generosity as Christians. Because of you, Misha and hundreds of kid’s like Misha have attended our camps, heard the good news about Jesus, and had the priceless gift of encouragement, friendship, and hope that comes from Christ Jesus only.

We are deeply grateful to Slavic Christian Ministries and thank you for giving these children not only practical help, but also hope, encouragement, spiritual support, and precious moments of childhood joy during such a difficult time. May God richly bless you for your ministry and for your willingness to stand alongside those who need help the most.” – Pastor Sergei Faliy

Dear friends, pastor Sergei is immensley thankful for you as you can read from his testimony. You are a huge blessing to the kids and seemingly to those we partner with too, so thank you! I will post more photos on Slavic Christian Ministries Facebook page. On another front, our support is still dropping and I need your help — if you are willing …. would you consider hosting a small group or reach out to your mission director or pastor and see if they would be willing to meet with me? Thank you for all of your prayers, encouragement, and personal sacrifice … I see it … thank you!

In Jesus’ love,

Ron