Greetings from Lviv!

My name is Nazar. My wife, Iryna, and I live and serve in Lviv, Ukraine. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to share how God is working in my life and in the lives of those I have the privilege to serve.

For over twenty years, my ministry has been dedicated to young people — first as a youth leader in the church, and later in public schools, which transitioned to an online format at the start of the war.

Today, much of our ministry is focused on the local church we planted with several families in 2016. We strive to actively serve our community, reaching out to adults and children in our neighbourhood, as well as internally displaced people.

I rejoice whenever I see God touching human hearts and His love transforming lives. I believe discipleship is one of the key tools God uses in this transformation. Often, these changes begin not through large events, but through simple, everyday opportunities to care for others. One recent experience that is especially close to my heart is Max's story.

Max's Story

Recently, an old skill of mine became useful once again.

A young man named Max had started coming to our church, attending fellowship gatherings for board games and occasionally our Sunday services.

The past few months have been a true ordeal for him. Due to circumstances related to the war, he had not left his apartment for several months. I checked in on him periodically through messages to see how he was doing. When I learned that he needed a haircut, I offered to visit him with my scissors and clippers. He gladly agreed.

As I worked with the clippers, we talked about many things, but the most precious moments were when our conversation turned to spiritual matters. He is incredibly attentive and open. In that small room, through a simple act of service, we enjoyed meaningful fellowship together, and I could see God at work in his heart.

This experience reminded me once again that ministry does not always require large gatherings. Sometimes, a simple everyday reason is enough to go where there is a need. I believe our relationship will continue to grow, and I look forward to sharing more of what God will do in his life.

Please pray:

• For Max, that the Lord would continue His work in his heart.

• For our future meetings, that God would grant wisdom as we continue our conversations.

Thank you for your prayers, your heart for us, and your support.

In prayer,

Nazar Ilkiv

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