From our precious Sofia in Kyiv.
Sofia & her fellow youth leader Rostyslav simply love their ministry with our children living through this war. Please read Sofia’s letter to me below. Read it twice – then read it again. Soborna Church is one of International Aid Trust’s churches.
Whilst these events are taking place we have safety officer volunteers constantly monstering the situation. Any alarms and the children are immediately rushed to the shelters.
The pastors Sofia mentions are Sergie John & Pasha. Pasha is Director over International Aid Trust Ukraine & John works closely with us. Two brothers serving God together.
Read Sofia’s letter please:
Dear Bernard,
I wanted to share some wonderful news from our Soborna church.
Over two unforgettable days, more than 400 children attended our “Without Limits” (“Без Меж”) Festival. The central message was God’s boundless love—a love that reaches every heart, even in the middle of war.
Alongside the children’s programme, we held a special workshop for mothers, including widows who have lost their husbands in the war. One of them is Vita from our own church. She buried her husband, and now she is raising their little daughter, Solomiika. It was a deeply moving time of encouragement, fellowship and hope. We also hosted a family talk where we spoke about the value of family and God’s design for it, even in the midst of pain, uncertainty and difficult circumstances.
The children had an incredible time. During the prayer group they learned to bring everything to God. In the art workshop they made beautiful wooden clocks with their own hands. In the music workshop they joyfully sang our camp theme song, “Nothing Is Impossible for God.” The sports area was full of excitement and laughter all day long. There were inflatables, games, competitions, cotton candy and popcorn, bringing smiles to so many little faces.
At the medical workshop we taught the children practical first-aid skills and encouraged them to be prepared for the unexpected challenges that life can bring. Even in difficult times, we want them to grow with wisdom, courage and confidence.
One of the most powerful moments of the festival was our special prayer for Ukraine. Seeing hundreds of children’s hearts crying out to Jesus for peace, for our defenders, for their families and for our nation was something I will never forget. Even in the midst of war, God is raising up a generation that knows how to pray, trust Him and place their hope in Him.
Despite all the challenges, we were also able to prepare delicious hot meals for everyone. Seeing children and families enjoying a warm meal together was another reminder of God’s faithfulness and provision.
This festival would never have been possible without our incredible team. I am deeply grateful to our pastor, Serhii Irsonovych, Pavlo Irsonovych Ozeruha, and our youth leader, Rostyslav Davydiuk, who invested so much of their time, wisdom, love and strength into this ministry. More than 100 volunteers—adults, young people and teenagers—served tirelessly with joyful hearts. Every smile, every prayer, every game, every conversation, every meal and every act of kindness became part of God’s work in someone’s life.
What touched us deeply was seeing families from across our entire neighbourhood come to the festival. Many of them had never visited our church before. We believe they encountered not simply an event, but the love and presence of Jesus. We are praying that the seeds planted during these two days will continue to grow and bear fruit for many years to come.
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank God for every volunteer, every prayer and every person who stood with us. None of this would have been possible without His grace.
Personally, this festival reminded me once again why God has called me to this ministry. My heart is completely given to the future of these children. I want it to keep beating and burning for them together with God. I am willing to give everything I have so that, through our lives and our service, these children will see Christ—not only in our words, but in the way we love them.
As I watched the children worship, laugh, pray and simply be children again, I was reminded that no war can overcome the love of God. If even one child leaves knowing Jesus more deeply, if one family finds hope again, then every hour of preparation, every prayer and every sacrifice has been worth it.
Please continue praying for Ukraine, for these children and for the next generation. We believe God is raising up a generation that will know Him and carry His light into a broken world.
With love and gratitude,
Sofia
