On July 10–11, 2026, a pastoral conference “Joy in Christ Amidst Trials” was held in the church of the Union of Bible Mission Churches of Ukraine Source of Life in Zdolbuniv, Rivne region. Brothers and sisters had the opportunity to sit under the teaching of the pastor-teacher from the Bible Church Word of Grace in Battle Ground (Washington, USA), Oleksiy Kolomiytsev. It was a special time of spiritual renewal, brotherly communication, and encouragement for ministers working in difficult war conditions.
About 180 pastors, leaders of pastoral teams, and other church ministers from 54 cities and villages of Ukraine gathered for the meeting – from front-line areas to western regions. Brothers from Germany and Poland also joined them. What made this event very special for the Ukrainian ministers was the presence of Oleksiy Kolomiytsev and Oleksandr Zhomira, brothers who came from the USA to testify to brotherly love, compassion, and solidarity with the Church in Ukraine.
The Book of Job was the main biblical foundation for the insightful messages in times of tribulations and sorrows. The participants reflected on God’s plan in suffering, realizing that not all sorrows have an understandable human explanation, but all of them are under God’s sovereign control. A very good reminder was that the greatest danger during trials is not the pain itself, but losing sight of Christ and stepping into the role of a victim.
The central topic of all sessions was Jesus Christ, the Savior, who Himself went through the path of the harshest suffering and therefore He is able to sympathize with everyone who goes through pain. The words of Oleksiy Kolomiytsev that God does not promise to free His children from suffering, but promises to be with them, to support and strengthen them in every trial, especially resonated in every heart. It was the Gospel that was once again presented as the only unshakable foundation of joy, hope, and confidence.
The personal testimonies of pastors from different regions of Ukraine made a deep impression on all listeners. They spoke about losses, captivity, destruction of churches, forced evacuation of communities, service to the military, and evangelism in wartime. Despite the pain and difficulties, each testimony was full of gratitude to God for His faithfulness, work, and the opportunity to continue serving people.
The participants unanimously emphasized that these two days became for them a time of spiritual encouragement, refreshment, and new hope. The organizers expressed their gratitude to God for the brotherly love, prayers, and practical support of the Word of Grace Church, as well as all the brothers and sisters of the Universal Church who remain close to the Church in Ukraine. The prayer of those present was a mutual request that the Lord continue to bless the Ukrainian ministers and multiply the fruits of this ministry for the strengthening of the Church of Christ both in Ukraine and far beyond its borders.
