REACHING THE 98%

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

• Pray that everyone who attends our services and home groups would not only hear God's Word but receive it with open hearts.

• Pray that God would give us wisdom, compassion, and the right words as we serve our community.

• 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