Perspective
Wednesday 24 September 2025 16:59 In times of crisis, faith takes on new depth and meaning. Across Ukraine, amid ongoing conflict and uncertainty, ECM workers, new and old, are discovering afresh that Jesus is present even in the darkest valleys—bringing hope, endurance, and glimpses of His redemptive work.
Following Jesus brings perspective in times of trouble, leading us to believe that our “help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:2). While God’s provision may not bring deliverance from our distress, we rely on His palpable presence in it. No wonder “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me” (Psalm 23:4) is among the most beloved biblical passages.
Experience with Jesus allows us to observe divine patterns during trying times. I have seen Him repeatedly bring about good in the wake of terrible circumstances. I have the same questions common to all who suffer, but Jesus specializes in redeeming spaces where pain once dominated.
Such is the experience of our colleagues in Ukraine. Words cannot describe the pain, fear, and disillusionment experienced daily by ECM workers over the past forty-two months and counting. Yet, this fall, we begin a partnership with four new first-culture Ukrainian couples in this beleaguered country; three of these couples will pursue new church planting efforts near Kyiv, and the fourth will support an existing church in L’viv. Jesus has been there all along, building his Kingdom amid the chaos.
As I write this, Ukraine’s Independence Day is days away. Followers of Jesus around the world are calling for a Global Day of Prayer for Ukraine on that special day. While you will read this after the fact, please pause to pray for peace, protection, and continuing advancement of God’s glorious Kingdom during these challenging days.
Your interest in our people and projects is a terrific encouragement to all of us. Our vision is to see new generations in Europe accessing the gospel, and I thank you all for your generous support as we pursue this magnificent goal.
—Written by Doug Gotcher, Director of our ECMI USA office
Archive > 2025
December
- 12/23/2025 12/23/25, 11:15 AM - Merry Christmas from ECM!
- 12/16/2025 12/16/25, 11:03 AM - Standing with Bitaj
- 12/9/2025 12/9/25, 10:23 AM - Join the Team
- 12/1/2025 12/1/25, 5:13 PM - A Continent in Need of Hope
November
- 11/19/2025 11/19/25, 2:22 PM - Love looks like Jesus
- 11/12/2025 11/12/25, 2:06 PM - Walking with God, Walking with Others
- 11/5/2025 11/5/25, 11:35 AM - Joining Forces
October
- 10/29/2025 10/29/25, 11:05 AM - What Is In Your Hands?
- 10/22/2025 10/22/25, 11:58 AM - Faith Takes Root
- 10/15/2025 10/15/25, 11:49 AM - Don’t Overestimate What You Can Do in a Year
- 10/8/2025 10/8/25, 5:34 PM - “Someone Has to Slay the Dragon!”
- 10/1/2025 10/1/25, 5:18 PM - Unhindered
September
August
- 8/28/2025 8/28/25, 9:57 AM - A New Church in the Heart of Budapest
- 8/12/2025 8/12/25, 10:30 AM - God's own words of love
- 8/6/2025 8/6/25, 8:56 AM - Another new worker for Portugal!
July
- 7/30/2025 7/30/25, 3:26 PM - One Answered Prayer at a Time
- 7/23/2025 7/23/25, 3:38 PM - "They may be broken, but God sees the potential”
- 7/16/2025 7/16/25, 4:04 PM - Prague: From the Giant Peach to the Hobbit House.
- 7/9/2025 7/9/25, 1:42 PM - Equipping God’s People: A Journey We’re Honoured to Share
- 7/2/2025 7/2/25, 1:35 PM - Sharing Jesus—and Growing Leaders—at Austria’s Summer Camps
June
- 6/25/2025 6/25/25, 1:27 PM - Reaching Romania’s Children with the Gospel of Grace
- 6/18/2025 6/18/25, 1:13 PM - God’s Word on Campus: Training Bible Study Leaders in Portugal
- 6/11/2025 6/11/25, 1:00 PM - Equipping for Abundant Life
- 6/3/2025 6/3/25, 11:41 AM - Groninger Cake in the Court Garden
May
- 5/27/2025 5/27/25, 3:29 PM - From DOS to the App Store: The Story of La Parola
- 5/16/2025 5/16/25, 12:08 PM - Hope in the Post-Atheist Neighbourhood
April
- 4/9/2025 4/9/25, 11:30 AM - Growing a Church that will Last for Generations
- 4/2/2025 4/2/25, 11:43 AM - Jesus is the Way on the Camino: Pilgrims finding God
March
- 3/26/2025 3/26/25, 11:08 AM - Reaching Hearts Behind Bars
- 3/19/2025 3/19/25, 11:55 AM - How God Called Us to Stay at Home
- 3/12/2025 3/12/25, 11:39 AM - How Much my Supporters Mean to Me
- 3/5/2025 3/5/25, 11:33 AM - An experience I couldn’t recommend more!
February
- 2/19/2025 2/19/25, 11:10 AM - From a Bar to the Bible
- 2/12/2025 2/12/25, 12:19 PM - From War Volunteer Centre to Thriving Church
- 2/5/2025 2/5/25, 11:28 AM - How was I called to Europe?
January
OUR IMPACT IN UKRAINE
Discover our impact in the Ukraine crisis and how you can be part of it.
USA MISSIONARIES: DOING OUR PART
BE PART OF GOD'S MISSION IN EUROPE
STORIES FROM THE FIELD
“Honey, We Brought the Kids on Vacation!”
September - 30 - 2026 12:06 “Honey, we brought the kids on vacation!” It was a joke between Tamás and Virág as they arrived at Lake Balaton with 26 young people. But after years of walking alongside these teenagers, the words carried more truth than they realised. full storyStrength in Our Weakness
September - 23 - 2026 12:04 God is still saving people in Europe — and He delights to work through ordinary people. ECMI worker Matej experienced this when a casual conversation opened the door for a woman to surrender her life to Jesus. His story reminds us that we do not need to be strong or perfectly equipped to serve God. We simply need to trust Him and say yes. full storyUnshakable
September - 16 - 2026 11:16 Unshakable faith shines brightest in difficult seasons. Read how ECMI missionaries across Europe are trusting Christ through loss, opposition, and uncertainty — and inspiring others to do the same. full story 
