From Personal Pain to a Ministry of Hope

This is the story of Alla Popova from Chernivtsi — a woman who has devoted herself to serving and supporting Ukrainian soldiers. Despite the trials of war, she did not stop; instead, she chose to study so that her support could bear even more fruit.

Alla graduated from the Female Leadership program at UETS and continues to grow, combining faith, resilience, and compassion — even in the most difficult times.

“My husband fought in 2022, and in 2023 he was wounded — I was there, and I saw everything with my own eyes.

As I talked to the guys in the hospitals, I realized: they are incredibly strong in spirit and willpower, yet at the same time deeply vulnerable — both physically and emotionally. I often speak about this — about the strength they carry and the weakness they have to overcome.”

Together with her husband, Alla joined the ministry of Sinai Church, where she took on responsibility for hospital outreach: visiting patients, showing Christian films, and simply having heart-to-heart conversations.

This is support not only for the body — but for the soul.

“My husband and I made the decision to serve these men, to share our own journey with them — because we’ve walked this path ourselves for the second year in a row.

We understand that we can truly be helpful, because it’s easier for these men to open up and trust someone who shares a similar story.

My husband was wounded on the front line.

When forming the team, we prepared not only technically but emotionally — because it’s important to be sensitive and understanding to those who are dealing with both physical and emotional pain.”

They try to visit the soldiers every week, but it’s not always easy. Frequent treatments, procedures, and transfers between facilities make it difficult to gather everyone.

Meetings are usually held in the hospital’s assembly hall, since regulations prevent visiting patients in their rooms. Due to past incidents involving outside visitors bringing potentially unsafe food or drink, the hospital strictly adheres to safety protocols.

So they work closely with hospital leadership to schedule times and create a safe, welcoming space for connection.

Alla defines the mission clearly:

“Our task is to help people know God and trust Him.

God has promised not to leave us in our weakness.”

 

Each meeting, each conversation, and even the hardest moments help wounded soldiers feel God’s presence — and find the strength to keep living.

Alla serves in a team where other women are actively involved. Their ministry has not always been welcomed — some still question women’s leadership roles.

But team support and shared growth have become a key foundation. Alla notes that her training in the Female Leadership program at UETS helped her develop skills in delegation and team management.

This became the basis for building a strong, mature team — one that works effectively and in unity.

Since the beginning of the war, much of the burden has fallen on women. Alla is convinced: women must grow — in wisdom, strength, and knowledge. To serve, to support, and to bring light into dark times.

UETS opened new doors for her:

“The program gave me practical tools, fresh ideas, and a network of women leaders from different cities.

We support one another.”

These insights help her implement new projects, strengthen her team, and develop new formats of care.

Alla sees her role in ministry as both responsibility and example for other women:

She recommends the UETS course to anyone who wants to grow in leadership and serve more effectively.

Alla’s journey is a blend of personal experience, faithfulness to God, and ministry to soldiers.

This is the story of a woman who walks in love and commitment, bringing hope to those in pain and shining God’s light even in the darkest places.