JOY IN CHRIST IN THE MIDST OF SUFFERING: PASTORS' CONFERENCE RECAP
From July 10–12, Pastor Aleksey Kolomiytsev served as the keynote speaker at a pastors' conference in Zdolbuniv, Ukraine.
The conference became an even greater blessing than we had anticipated. A total of 197 men attended, representing more than 56 cities and towns across Ukraine. Most of them are graduates of our School of Biblical Preaching, as well as faculty members and students of Grace Theological Seminary in Kyiv. Many traveled from the eastern and southern regions, where the war continues to rage, placing their lives in constant danger. Pastors from central and western Ukraine also carry the heavy burden of ministering to families whose loved ones are serving on the front lines. Some have already lost husbands, sons, or fathers in the war. Shepherding God's people under these circumstances is an enormous challenge.
Pastor Aleksey shared these reflections after the conference:
"Before the conference, I was concerned that it might be difficult for me to connect with these brothers because I have not lived through what they are experiencing. But the Lord gave abundant grace. From the very beginning, there was a warm, Christ-centered atmosphere. These men came with such a deep hunger for the comfort and encouragement found in God's Word and the gospel. It was evident that the gospel is what gives them the strength to continue serving faithfully in the midst of such painful and dangerous circumstances."
The conference became an even greater blessing than we had anticipated. A total of 197 men attended, representing more than 56 cities and towns across Ukraine. Most of them are graduates of our School of Biblical Preaching, as well as faculty members and students of Grace Theological Seminary in Kyiv. Many traveled from the eastern and southern regions, where the war continues to rage, placing their lives in constant danger. Pastors from central and western Ukraine also carry the heavy burden of ministering to families whose loved ones are serving on the front lines. Some have already lost husbands, sons, or fathers in the war. Shepherding God's people under these circumstances is an enormous challenge.
Pastor Aleksey shared these reflections after the conference:
"Before the conference, I was concerned that it might be difficult for me to connect with these brothers because I have not lived through what they are experiencing. But the Lord gave abundant grace. From the very beginning, there was a warm, Christ-centered atmosphere. These men came with such a deep hunger for the comfort and encouragement found in God's Word and the gospel. It was evident that the gospel is what gives them the strength to continue serving faithfully in the midst of such painful and dangerous circumstances."
Thanks to the generosity of several donors, we were able to provide meaningful financial assistance to every participant, helping cover travel expenses and some of the basic needs of their families. This became a powerful expression of Christ's love. Many of the brothers were moved to tears as they opened the envelopes. They were touched not only by the financial gift itself but by the knowledge that fellow believers on the other side of the world cared for them, were praying for them, and were standing with them in their trials.
The trip itself was both spiritually enriching and physically demanding. After arriving in Warsaw, Poland, it took eight hours to drive to Zdolbuniv. The return journey proved even more difficult. The drive back to Warsaw took approximately 15 hours, including 8 hours spent waiting to cross the Ukrainian-Polish border.
Before flying home, Pastor Aleksey also had the opportunity to minister to more than 200 Ukrainian refugees living in Poland. Gathering around God's Word became a special source of encouragement and hope for these families as well.
The trip itself was both spiritually enriching and physically demanding. After arriving in Warsaw, Poland, it took eight hours to drive to Zdolbuniv. The return journey proved even more difficult. The drive back to Warsaw took approximately 15 hours, including 8 hours spent waiting to cross the Ukrainian-Polish border.
Before flying home, Pastor Aleksey also had the opportunity to minister to more than 200 Ukrainian refugees living in Poland. Gathering around God's Word became a special source of encouragement and hope for these families as well.
Here are several testimonies from men who attended the conference. We hope they will give you a glimpse of what the Lord graciously accomplished during those precious days.
“Dear brothers and sisters of Word of Grace Bible Church,
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your partnership with the suffering church in Ukraine. We continue to minister under the constant shadow of war, and Pastor Aleksey Kolomiytsev's conference became, for me—and I am sure for many others—a true oasis of God's grace, refreshing our souls with the living water of His truth. The timely theme, the wise and loving preaching, the atmosphere of mutual encouragement, and the warm hospitality of Dzherelo Zhyttia Church all became instruments God used to bring healing to my heart, to the heart of my wife, who recently lost her father, and to the hearts of many other servants of Christ.
The financial gift from Word of Grace Bible Church was another tangible expression of the Lord's loving care. It filled our hearts with deep gratitude and provided meaningful help during this difficult season.
All glory belongs to Jesus Christ, our wise and loving Lord, for your ministry of love, truth, and compassionate care.”
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your partnership with the suffering church in Ukraine. We continue to minister under the constant shadow of war, and Pastor Aleksey Kolomiytsev's conference became, for me—and I am sure for many others—a true oasis of God's grace, refreshing our souls with the living water of His truth. The timely theme, the wise and loving preaching, the atmosphere of mutual encouragement, and the warm hospitality of Dzherelo Zhyttia Church all became instruments God used to bring healing to my heart, to the heart of my wife, who recently lost her father, and to the hearts of many other servants of Christ.
The financial gift from Word of Grace Bible Church was another tangible expression of the Lord's loving care. It filled our hearts with deep gratitude and provided meaningful help during this difficult season.
All glory belongs to Jesus Christ, our wise and loving Lord, for your ministry of love, truth, and compassionate care.”
— Serhii Tymofeiev
Kamianske, Dnipropetrovsk Region, Ukraine
Kamianske, Dnipropetrovsk Region, Ukraine
“Thank you so much for this conference. It came at exactly the time I needed it most. When your strength is gone, your hands grow weary, and you feel like giving up, the message of Christ became for me a deep source of hope and encouragement.”
— Andrii Koroliuk
Rivne, Ukraine
Rivne, Ukraine
“We thank God and Pastor Aleksey for this wonderful conference in Zdolbuniv. It was truly a breath of fresh air amid difficult trials. The sincerity of the preaching and the thoughtful, biblical answers to our questions helped us see Christ even more clearly. The subject of suffering always leads us to the One who alone is able to help.
Thank you again so much! Glory to God! These two wonderful days turned our hearts toward the beauty of Christ and reminded us that we are never left to face our suffering alone. Christ is always with us, faithfully sustaining us and helping us endure every trial.”
Thank you again so much! Glory to God! These two wonderful days turned our hearts toward the beauty of Christ and reminded us that we are never left to face our suffering alone. Christ is always with us, faithfully sustaining us and helping us endure every trial.”
— Yevhen Berezin
Kyiv, Ukraine
Kyiv, Ukraine
“I want to thank God for speaking to my heart through Pastor Aleksey. I received answers to many questions that had troubled me for years. Once again, I was reminded that God knows the human heart and works through His living Word.
Although I live just 20 kilometers from the Russian border and face the threat of death every day, I realize that the greatest danger I face is the weakness of my own faith. Through the preaching of Christ, my heart was filled with fresh joy. I came away with a renewed understanding that in Christ there is meaning in life, meaning in suffering and hardship, and meaning in both rest and joy.”
Although I live just 20 kilometers from the Russian border and face the threat of death every day, I realize that the greatest danger I face is the weakness of my own faith. Through the preaching of Christ, my heart was filled with fresh joy. I came away with a renewed understanding that in Christ there is meaning in life, meaning in suffering and hardship, and meaning in both rest and joy.”
— Mykola Zirka
Kharkiv Region, Ukraine
Kharkiv Region, Ukraine
"I sincerely thank the Lord for the opportunity to attend this conference. These days were an immense blessing to me, strengthening me spiritually and reminding me once again of God's faithfulness. I am deeply grateful for Pastor Aleksey's ministry, for the faithful ministry of Word of Grace Bible Church, and for the tangible expression of Christ's love through the books you provided and the financial assistance you gave.
Personally, this was a special reminder of God's loving care. Before the conference, I wrestled with whether I should attend or spend those days working instead. With a young child at home and our country enduring such difficult circumstances, financial needs are especially pressing. Yet in His grace, the Lord made it possible for me to come. He not only enriched me spiritually but also provided for my practical needs, reminding me that He faithfully cares for His children.
To Him alone be all the glory!"
Personally, this was a special reminder of God's loving care. Before the conference, I wrestled with whether I should attend or spend those days working instead. With a young child at home and our country enduring such difficult circumstances, financial needs are especially pressing. Yet in His grace, the Lord made it possible for me to come. He not only enriched me spiritually but also provided for my practical needs, reminding me that He faithfully cares for His children.
To Him alone be all the glory!"
— Yevhen Sanhush
Zdolbuniv, Ukraine
Zdolbuniv, Ukraine
"One statement from the first four sessions has stayed with me: ‘Job's honesty before God is not wrong.’ It was an incredible relief to hear that there is room before God for our cries, our questions, and even our confusion. We so easily learn to wear masks that say, 'I'm fine,' afraid to reveal our weakness and the poverty of our own souls.
Job's example, along with Psalms 38 and 88, reminded me that when the weight of suffering becomes overwhelming, we can honestly pour out our hearts before God—even admitting that we no longer want to live. What meant the most to me was that you did not condemn such honesty. Instead, you showed that it is part of the journey of faith, not the end of it."
Job's example, along with Psalms 38 and 88, reminded me that when the weight of suffering becomes overwhelming, we can honestly pour out our hearts before God—even admitting that we no longer want to live. What meant the most to me was that you did not condemn such honesty. Instead, you showed that it is part of the journey of faith, not the end of it."
— Ivan Belousov
Irpin, Ukraine
Irpin, Ukraine
"I want to sincerely thank you, dear brothers and sisters, for your faithful ministry and your practical care for us. Joy in Christ in the Midst of Suffering was not merely the theme of the conference—it is the reality of our daily lives in the midst of the horrors of war. We live in a time when superficial or merely nominal Christianity cannot provide true joy, comfort, or hope. Rejoicing in Christ while enduring loss, separation, the constant shadow of death, and the tears of those around us is no easy task. It is precisely in moments like these that the solid foundation of the gospel is revealed. When there is nowhere else to run but to Christ, and nothing else with which to strengthen God's people, His grace becomes more precious than ever. Praise God for the unchanging and eternal hope we have in Christ!
Biblical truth can be taught in many ways. Thank you, Pastor Aleksey, for your compassion, wisdom, and desire not only to teach sound doctrine, but also to comfort, encourage, and strengthen our hearts. Thank you for not being afraid to come to us despite the missile attacks and the criticism, and for showing us genuine compassion, practical support, and brotherly love. It means far more to us than words can express.
We are also deeply grateful for your generous gifts. But even more precious than the gifts themselves was your sincere desire to bless us and care for us. Your loving support brought us not only practical help, but also deep encouragement for our hearts. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for everything."
Biblical truth can be taught in many ways. Thank you, Pastor Aleksey, for your compassion, wisdom, and desire not only to teach sound doctrine, but also to comfort, encourage, and strengthen our hearts. Thank you for not being afraid to come to us despite the missile attacks and the criticism, and for showing us genuine compassion, practical support, and brotherly love. It means far more to us than words can express.
We are also deeply grateful for your generous gifts. But even more precious than the gifts themselves was your sincere desire to bless us and care for us. Your loving support brought us not only practical help, but also deep encouragement for our hearts. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for everything."
— Yuriy Omelchuk
Rivne, Ukraine
Rivne, Ukraine
