the inside story

Pastors’ Retreat in Ukraine

Those who would benefit from a short break to relax emotionally, and be refreshed spiritually and rested physically.
Many involved in Christian ministry find that God’s work is challenging, frustrating, exhausting, and sometimes very disappointing. Try to imagine what it is like for those who are serving in the war-torn region of east Ukraine.

With all the normal pressures of ministry there is the added uncertainty, fear, sorrow or anger that God’s servants need to able to deal with in the community.  Through SGA’s Project70, fifteen missionary pastors are receiving vital support, a large number of these serving in east Ukraine. 

When the Mission was approached about funding for a pastors’ retreat in Ukraine by SGA’s Regional Coordinator, Roman Vecherkovsky, we immediately felt that this would greatly benefit those who are tirelessly serving. 

The goal was to offer a retreat for twenty couples who are part of the church planting programme, who would benefit from a short break to relax emotionally, and be refreshed spiritually and rested physically.

Pastor with his church in Donetsk

On top of the pressures of war was the pandemic and its consequences.  Almost all of the missionaries got infected and had to deal with the sickness in different ways which weakened their physical condition. As a result it will take time to restore their health to its previous level.    

For a number of these missionaries the idea of taking a short break would have been only a dream due to limited finance.  But in this retreat they were able to have a brief break with their wives to reset their minds, be refreshed emotionally, physically and spiritually.

We are thankful that these faithful servants had a brief holiday.  Pray for them as they return, often to very difficult circumstances.  Pray that what they have gained from the break will have a lasting impact on their ministry.