In the city of Cherkasy, Ukraine—just 60 miles from the front lines of war—Pastor Michael Kuzin and his wife have opened their home and hearts to nine orphaned children, in addition to raising their own. This is not an isolated act. Across Ukraine, pastors are stepping in where the state cannot. They are preaching the Gospel, caring for widows, leading humanitarian relief, and—most urgently—becoming fathers and mothers to children left without anyone.
Recently, Pastor Michael and his wife took in four more children who had nowhere else to go. They arrived with nothing but the clothes on their backs. One of them, Adele, is just 7 years old, starting school in a new language, already calling Michael and his wife “Mom” and “Dad.”
The Ukrainian social system is overwhelmed and broken. No government support is coming for months. School has started. Winter is coming. The needs are immediate and unavoidable—jackets, shoes, backpacks, school supplies, a bed to sleep in, and even a tablet so one child can continue online learning. These are not luxuries; they are survival.
“I am not asking for help for myself or my wife, but only for the children. Until the decree of guardianship is issued, no official support will come. For now, we are alone. We place this request into God’s hands, believing nothing is impossible for Him.”
Pastor Micheal Kuzin
Standing with the Shepherds of Ukraine
Pastor Michael’s story is just one of many. Across Ukraine, more than thirty pastors in our Serve Ukraine Network are doing the same—preaching the Gospel, feeding the hungry, caring for widows, and opening their homes to orphaned children.
I spoke at Pastor Michael’s church in Cherkasy, just 60 miles from the front lines. As I was finishing my sermon, two hypersonic missiles struck nearby. The building shook violently—windows rattling, people frozen in fear, some rushing toward the doors.
Pastor Jeff Copeland
Then young Pastor Michael calmly stepped to the pulpit. He said, ‘We all know that by staying here, we may give our lives for this decision.’ Then he quoted Philippians 1:21 — ‘To live is Christ, and to die is gain.’
Turning to me, he said, ‘Pastor Jeff, finish your sermon.’
I finished quickly. But I’ll never forget that moment—this young man leading his church under fire, refusing to back down.”
They are standing in the gap, but they cannot stand alone.
That’s where we come in.
We are inviting pastors, individuals and churches in the U.S. to stand with pastors in Ukraine — not only through giving, but through relationship and shared mission.
You and your church can:
- Sponsor a Ukrainian pastor and his family each month to help provide stability, warmth, and hope.
- Pray faithfully for them by name, and share their stories with your congregation.
- Encourage them personally — send an email, record a short message, or even join a video call. (Pastor Michael speaks English and loves connecting with other pastors.)
- Provide Christmas for their family or help meet a specific need.
- Adopt a pastor’s family as your church’s mission partner, walking together in prayer, encouragement, and friendship.
This is what Kingdom Bridges Ministries and the Serve Ukraine Network were created for — to build lasting relationships between pastors and churches across nations, so together we can fulfill Jesus’ prayer:
“Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.”
Matthew 6:10
Let’s be the answer to their prayers — pastors standing with pastors, churches standing with churches, the Kingdom advancing together.
If your heart is stirred to stand with these pastors, please reach out.
We’ll help you or your church begin a direct partnership with a Ukrainian pastor’s family today.
Want to come alongside a pastor and his family in Ukraine?
Share your contact information below, and we’ll be in touch to help you or your church get started.
The PATH Network 