From Relief Centre to Church
quarta-feira 19 agosto 2026 13:59 When war in Ukraine devastated the communities around Irpin, relief centres became places of refuge for those in need. But something even greater happened. As people encountered the love of Christ through practical care, new communities of faith began to grow. Today, Illia and Iryna lead one of those church plants.
Greetings from Nemishaieve!
We are Illia and Iryna Shevelenko, and together with our son, Matvey, we live in Irpin, Ukraine.
In 2022, we joined the volunteer centre in Nemishaieve to serve people in this war-torn community. What began as a place to provide humanitarian aid gradually became something much more. As people encountered God's love, a new church was born.
Today, we have the privilege of serving this church family. Illia pastors the church, while Iryna ministers to young mothers through a women's art programme. Together, we continue reaching children, teenagers, displaced people, the elderly, and others in need with the hope of Christ.
A Church Family
It was a difficult winter, but spring has arrived, and even in challenging circumstances we have seen God's hand at work, His guidance, and His care every day.
This Easter reminded us that the church is not simply a place where people gather—it is a family.
Nearly fifty people joined us for our Easter service, including children, young people, and older adults. Together we celebrated the mercy of Jesus Christ revealed through His death and glorious resurrection. After the service we shared a meal, talked together, and built new friendships. In these simple moments of fellowship, we experienced God's presence among us.
We also hosted a family Easter dinner with our home group, welcoming several new families. We shared a meal, read the Easter story, sang together, and spent time getting to know one another. It is through moments like these that we see God building relationships and opening people's hearts.
Alongside our church ministry, we also visit local schools every week, speaking with Year 9 students about character development. These conversations have opened doors not only with students, but also with teachers and parents, giving us opportunities to share biblical values with the wider community.
Please Pray
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Pray that everyone who attends our services and home groups would not only hear God's Word but receive it with open hearts.
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Pray that God would give us wisdom, compassion, and the right words as we serve our community.
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Pray for the children, teenagers, teachers, and families we meet through our school ministry, that God's truth would take root in their lives.
Thank you for your prayers, your support, and for partnering with us in this ministry. We believe God is continuing His work in Nemishaieve, and we trust Him to keep building His church.
In Christ,
Illia and Iryna Shevelenko
Stories from Europe > 2026
agosto
- 19/08/2026 19/08/26, 13:59 - From Relief Centre to Church
- 12/08/2026 12/08/26, 14:19 - Taking the Word Home
- 05/08/2026 05/08/26, 13:36 - More Than a Bed for the Night
julho
- 29/07/2026 29/07/26, 15:05 - Where Hope Is Growing
- 22/07/2026 22/07/26, 15:19 - A Corner of Light
- 15/07/2026 15/07/26, 11:23 - Scattered — Yet Sent
- 08/07/2026 08/07/26, 17:36 - Together Behind Bars
- 01/07/2026 01/07/26, 16:48 - A Place Where Families Are Seen
junho
- 24/06/2026 24/06/26, 17:16 - Go in the Strength You Have
- 18/06/2026 18/06/26, 11:40 - More Than a Haircut
- 17/06/2026 17/06/26, 12:43 - Hope for the Overlooked
- 10/06/2026 10/06/26, 10:28 - Ready for Camp Season?
- 03/06/2026 03/06/26, 12:46 - A New Path
maio
- 27/05/2026 27/05/26, 12:51 - Churches Unite in Leiria
- 20/05/2026 20/05/26, 12:38 - A Life Saved
- 13/05/2026 13/05/26, 12:34 - The Sun Shines for Irene
- 06/05/2026 06/05/26, 12:05 - A Place for Everyone — Rethinking Ministry Together
abril
- 29/04/2026 29/04/26, 13:34 - Faith from the Ruins
- 22/04/2026 22/04/26, 13:06 - Faithful Presence
- 14/04/2026 14/04/26, 12:52 - Searching for Hope
- 08/04/2026 08/04/26, 12:42 - Called? Keep going!
- 01/04/2026 01/04/26, 12:23 - The Triumph of the Cross
março
- 25/03/2026 25/03/26, 11:31 - Claremorris Church Opens Its Doors
- 18/03/2026 18/03/26, 10:55 - Step Into Mission: Opportunities Across Europe
- 04/03/2026 04/03/26, 12:27 - Women of Faith
fevereiro
- 25/02/2026 25/02/26, 11:48 - A Church Takes Root
- 18/02/2026 18/02/26, 12:05 - Encouraging Growth in Portugal
- 04/02/2026 04/02/26, 12:48 - New Neighbours
janeiro
READ our stories about what is going on across Europe,
PRAY for the projects and the workers involved!
From Relief Centre to Church
agosto - 19 - 2026 13:59 When war in Ukraine devastated the communities around Irpin, relief centres became places of refuge for those in need. But something even greater happened. As people encountered the love of Christ through practical care, new communities of faith began to grow. Today, Illia and Iryna lead one of those church plants. full storyTaking the Word Home
agosto - 12 - 2026 14:19 After three years of teaching German to elderly Ukrainian refugees in Germany, Louise was encouraged by a simple but significant moment: two of her students decided to take a Bible home. full storyMore Than a Bed for the Night
agosto - 05 - 2026 13:36 Every pilgrim who arrives at Casa Camino Antiguo brings a new opportunity to share the love of Christ. Through simple acts of hospitality, lives are being touched by the gospel on the Camino de Santiago. full storyWhere Hope Is Growing
julho - 29 - 2026 15:05 When war reached the town of Borodianka, Tolik and Lena responded by meeting practical needs and caring for those who had lost so much. Four years later, that ministry has grown into something more. Their vision is to see a thriving church established so their community can discover the hope found in Christ. full storyA Corner of Light
julho - 22 - 2026 15:19 For five years, ECMI workers David, Myriam and Chloë have been building relationships with immigrant families in southern Spain. Now they are taking the next step: creating a welcoming place where friendships can grow, practical needs can be met, and lives can be transformed. full storyScattered — Yet Sent
julho - 15 - 2026 11:23 What began as a devastating displacement through war is becoming an unexpected movement of gospel witness across Europe. Ukrainian believers, carrying deep pain and loss, are also carrying the hope of Christ wherever they go. full storyTogether Behind Bars
julho - 08 - 2026 17:36 A young prisoner recently gave his life to Jesus through a prison outreach made possible by churches and ministries serving together in unity. His story is a powerful reminder that when believers partner together, the gospel can reach even the most difficult places. full storyA Place Where Families Are Seen
julho - 01 - 2026 16:48 In a neighbourhood of Tirana, Albania, mothers and caregivers of people with intellectual disabilities are finding something they rarely experience — support, encouragement, and a community that understands their daily reality. full storyGo in the Strength You Have
junho - 24 - 2026 17:16 When the task ahead feels bigger than the resources available, it can be tempting to focus on what is missing. Yet God often calls His people to move forward not with great strength, but with the strength they already have — trusting Him to do the rest. full storyMore Than a Haircut
junho - 18 - 2026 11:40 In Lviv, Ukraine, Nazar and his wife Iryna continue serving their community amid the ongoing challenges of war. Recently, what began as a simple haircut became an opportunity for encouragement, friendship, and meaningful spiritual conpversation. full storyHope for the Overlooked
junho - 17 - 2026 12:43 In a community often forgotten, one ministry chose to stay. Through daily presence, education, and care, trust slowly grew — and with it, new life for children, families, and neighbours. full storyReady for Camp Season?
junho - 10 - 2026 10:28 Summer camps across Europe continue to offer children, young people, and families opportunities to encounter Christian community, hear the gospel, and experience lives transformed through Christ. full storyA New Path
junho - 03 - 2026 12:46 Fatima* arrived carrying deep trauma and a firm rejection of faith. Through consistent friendship and practical support, her openness began to grow — until one unexpected moment changed her direction completely. full storyChurches Unite in Leiria
maio - 27 - 2026 12:51 More than 200 believers from 12 churches and 9 mission organisations joined together in Portugal’s Leiria region for two days of evangelism, prayer, and outreach — with around 700 people approached and 40 decisions for Christ reported. full storyA Life Saved
maio - 20 - 2026 12:38 What began as a soup kitchen relationship became something far more urgent. When Mr. Dumitru’s life was at risk, ECMI workers refused to give up — advocating, praying, and walking with him until the moment that changed everything. full storyThe Sun Shines for Irene
maio - 13 - 2026 12:34 After years of searching — through religion, spirituality, and personal pain — Irene reached a point where she didn’t want to go on. But a simple online search connected her with an ECMI couple whose open table became the place where everything began to change. full storyA Place for Everyone — Rethinking Ministry Together
maio - 06 - 2026 12:05 Across Europe, many live unseen — shaped by disability, anxiety, or neurodivergence. As followers of Jesus, we are learning to notice, to listen, and to create spaces where everyone belongs. full storyFaith from the Ruins
abril - 29 - 2026 13:34 When war tore through Irpin, life was shattered. Yet even amid war, God’s work continues—lives changed, churches planted, and hope restored. Discover the story. full storyFaithful Presence
abril - 22 - 2026 13:06 Mission in Europe often moves slowly, but God works in unseen ways. This story from Austria reminds us that faithful, patient love can transform lives — even when change seems invisible. full storySearching for Hope
abril - 14 - 2026 12:52 Across Europe, many people are searching for meaning, identity, and hope. Behind the statistics are real lives. Meet Sander. full storyCalled? Keep going!
abril - 08 - 2026 12:42 Sensing God’s call to mission can be both thrilling and daunting. Anna’s journey back to Romania reminds us that when God calls, He provides — and you are never alone. full storyThe Triumph of the Cross
abril - 01 - 2026 12:23 As we approach Easter, we remember the Cross — the moment that changed eternity — and give thanks to Jesus, the King of kings. full storyClaremorris Church Opens Its Doors
março - 25 - 2026 11:31 What began as a small gathering in a town hall has become something far greater. On 21 March 2026, the growing church in Claremorris, County Mayo, celebrated the official opening of its very first building — a powerful milestone and a testament to God’s faithfulness. full storyStep Into Mission: Opportunities Across Europe
março - 18 - 2026 10:55 What could your next step in mission look like? Across Europe, doors are open for you to serve, grow, and make a meaningful impact. Whether you’re exploring a short-term experience or sensing a longer-term call, there are opportunities waiting where your gifts can make a real difference. full story