News feed for: ECM International

From Relief Centre to Church

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 17:27:59 +0200

When war in Ukraine devastated the communities around Irpin, relief centres became places of refuge for those in need. But something even greater happened. As people encountered the love of Christ through practical care, new communities of faith began to grow.

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

More Than a Haircut

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 18:20:55 +0200

In Lviv, Ukraine, Nazar and his wife Iryna continue serving their community amid the ongoing challenges of war. Recently, what began as a simple haircut became an opportunity for encouragement, friendship, and meaningful spiritual conpversation.

Greetings from Lviv!

My name is Nazar. My wife, Iryna, and I live and serve in Lviv, Ukraine. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to share how God is working in my life and in the lives of those I have the privilege to serve.

For over twenty years, my ministry has been dedicated to young people — first as a youth leader in the church, and later in public schools, which transitioned to an online format at the start of the war.

Today, much of our ministry is focused on the local church we planted with several families in 2016. We strive to actively serve our community, reaching out to adults and children in our neighbourhood, as well as internally displaced people.

I rejoice whenever I see God touching human hearts and His love transforming lives. I believe discipleship is one of the key tools God uses in this transformation. Often, these changes begin not through large events, but through simple, everyday opportunities to care for others. One recent experience that is especially close to my heart is Max's story.

Max's Story

Recently, an old skill of mine became useful once again.

A young man named Max had started coming to our church, attending fellowship gatherings for board games and occasionally our Sunday services.

The past few months have been a true ordeal for him. Due to circumstances related to the war, he had not left his apartment for several months. I checked in on him periodically through messages to see how he was doing. When I learned that he needed a haircut, I offered to visit him with my scissors and clippers. He gladly agreed.

As I worked with the clippers, we talked about many things, but the most precious moments were when our conversation turned to spiritual matters. He is incredibly attentive and open. In that small room, through a simple act of service, we enjoyed meaningful fellowship together, and I could see God at work in his heart.

This experience reminded me once again that ministry does not always require large gatherings. Sometimes, a simple everyday reason is enough to go where there is a need. I believe our relationship will continue to grow, and I look forward to sharing more of what God will do in his life.

Please pray:

• For Max, that the Lord would continue His work in his heart.

• For our future meetings, that God would grant wisdom as we continue our conversations.

Thank you for your prayers, your heart for us, and your support.

In prayer,

Nazar Ilkiv

Discover Nazar's Ministry

Donate to Nazar