Mennonite Brethren Remain Resilient and Faithful in Time of War

A report from the Association of Mennonite Brethren Churches in Ukraine (AMBCU)

When Russia launched its treacherous attack on Ukraine, no one could have foreseen the scale of destruction, suffering, and trials this war would bring. Millions were forced to flee, cities and villages were reduced to ruins, and churches faced the greatest challenge in their history.

Yet, in this moment of chaos and tragedy, the true essence of faith and service emerged. The Mennonite Brethren in Ukraine stood firm—like the mighty old Zaporizhian oak, a symbol deeply rooted in the history of the Ukrainian Mennonite movement. Over 250 years ago, following the dissolution of the Zaporizhian Sich, the first Mennonite settlers arrived in these lands to begin anew. Their very first prayer gathering took place beneath this oak—a symbol of being rooted in God, of spiritual strength, and faithfulness to their traditions.

Today, despite the devastation, this spiritual “oak” stands strong once again. Its roots run deep in the Word of God and in the calling to serve others. Its resilience is evident not only in the steadfastness of the Mennonite Brethren churches in Ukraine but also in the unwavering support of their brothers and sisters in the United States—especially the generous donors to MB Foundation’s Ukraine MB Church Relief Fund.

The First Days of War: The Church in Zaporizhzhia Amid Fire and Chaos

Russian forces advanced, shelling cities and villages, destroying homes and churches. Among those caught on the frontlines were members of the Mennonite Brethren Church in Zaporizhzhia.

With no clear understanding of what tomorrow would bring, pastors and congregants began evacuating. Families packed into whatever transport was available, joining the flood of traffic heading west, uncertain whether they would find shelter, food, or any stability. Many traveled to the sound of air raid sirens, holding crying children in their arms, carrying only one or two suitcases with whatever they had managed to save.

Even in times of uncertainty, church leaders never wavered in their calling to serve. From the very first days, they organized aid for thousands of displaced people in desperate need of shelter, transportation, medicine, and food.

And in this chaos, the first spark of hope emerged. MB Foundation donors and Mennonite Brethren churches in the United States responded immediately, recognizing that churches in Ukraine were not merely struggling to survive—they were becoming a stronghold of help for thousands in need.

Churches Under Occupation: Destruction and New Birth

Several Mennonite Brethren churches in Ukraine found themselves under occupation from the very first days of the war. One of them was the church in the village of Balkove in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, a historically significant place for the Mennonite movement.

Russian forces seized the church building. The children’s playground, built with the support of Mennonite Brethren from the United States, was brutally crushed by armored vehicles. Tanks were stationed in the churchyard, and the building itself was turned into a military headquarters.

Pastor Aleksey, his wife, and most of the congregation were forced to flee for their lives. The church in Molochansk, which had long served large families, the elderly, and those in need, suffered the same fate. The occupiers shut it down, scattered the believers, forbade gatherings, and repurposed the building as a military base.

Yet, even in the midst of darkness, God’s power shone through. Mennonite Brethren churches became beacons of light in the storm, providing aid to those in distress. New relief centers opened, and new ministries began.

When Roman Rakhuba, the leader of the Association of Mennonite Brethren Churches in Ukraine, was asked how the war had affected the life of the churches, his response was unexpected:

“Yes, we lost buildings, but we did not lose the Church. Where some churches were destroyed, new ones emerged through our ministries. Wherever our people relocated, new communities formed. In this tragedy, we have seen how God continues to grow His Church.”

Church Growth: From Ashes to Life

Since the beginning of the war:

• 9 churches and church-planting groups have been closed or destroyed.
• 11 new churches and church-planting groups have been established in Kyiv, Vinnytsia, Zaporizhzhia, Odesa, Samar (former Novomoskovsk), and other cities and villages.
• The Association of Mennonite Brethren Churches in Ukraine now includes 29 active churches, shelters, and church-planting groups.
• Many refugee shelters have transformed into new churches, where baptisms and spiritual discipleship take place.

In Zaporizhzhia, at the Reimer Center, where Pastor Aleksey Gorkusha now serves, the church is experiencing incredible growth. In the first weeks of the war, nearly all church members fled—but today, every service is packed, with most attendees being new believers.

Tangible Help: Generous Donors Transformed Thousands of Lives

From the very first days of the war, the support of MB Foundation’s donors has enabled the Association of Mennonite Brethren Churches in Ukraine to:

• Provide thousands of displaced families with food, clothing, and medicine.
• Distribute over 1,000 wood-burning stoves to those in need.
• Distribute over 100,000 copies of Christian literature.
• Distribute over 10,000 food packages.
• Deliver over 100 tons of various humanitarian aid.
• Purchase three minibuses for distributing humanitarian relief.
• Organize Summer of Hope camps, where thousands of children received rest, spiritual support, and rehabilitation.
• Equip mobile medical clinics to serve the most affected regions.
• Provide financial support to the families of all MB church ministers in Ukraine.

Recently, authorities in Zaporizhzhia requested that mobile clinics not only serve as medical stations but also as centers of spiritual support. After the bombings, people need more than just medicine–they seek comfort, prayer, and words of hope.

Faithfulness in the Fire

We continue to live in the raging fire of war, praying and waiting for its end. Yet this storm does not destroy the Church—it strengthens it.

Pastor Aleksey, who was forced to flee Berdyansk with a group of believers, puts it this way:
“We are like a giant sequoia tree. When a wildfire sweeps through the forest, it releases even more seeds. The greater the trials, the more souls turn to God.”

Pastor Igor Tunik recently shared:
“God has taught me an incredible lesson. All six churches I planted in Donetsk Oblast ceased to exist due to the advancing war. But the Lord preserved us and strengthened us through these trials, giving us a vision to plant even more churches than we lost—and we are doing just that. Our team, displaced by the shelling, has already planted four new churches. We lost everything, but God is giving us back so much more—especially through faithful friends like Jon Wiebe of MB Foundation!”

None of this would have been possible without the support of donors to the Relief Fund and the Mennonite Brethren churches in the United States. Their faithfulness and generosity have been a lifeline in this stormy sea.

Gratitude and a Call to Action

On behalf of all the churches, families, displaced people, and children whose lives have been transformed by your support, we say to you: a heartfelt thank you. (Großen Dankeschön in German, pronounced as Grohsuhs Dankuhshurn)

We pray that the Lord blesses you just as He has blessed Ukraine through you.

Your support is more than just humanitarian aid—it is a tool of the gospel, changing lives and shaping destinies. And we believe that when this war ends, together we will witness new churches, transformed lives, and the glory of God.

Thank you for your faithfulness, generosity, and love in the name of Christ!

Submitted by The Association of Mennonite Brethren Churches in Ukraine (AMBCU) in March 2025.