Near the Front, Sharing the Gospel

50 km from the front line, Petro and Ilona Poleshchuk are serving today — a young couple who left comfort, work, and their homes to revive the church in the Kherson region. Their story is an example of dedication, courage, and faith in God’s guidance during the most difficult times.

Petro was born in the Zhytomyr region, Ilona in the Ternopil region. They belong to the Pentecostal Christian church “Zhyva Nadiya” (Living Hope). Their journey in ministry began even before they met: Ilona served for several months in Skadovsk under occupation and later returned to a mission in the Lviv region, where she met Petro. After their wedding, they embarked on their first mission together.

“Our first trip was to the Mykolaiv region, where we stayed for about three months. Then we were invited to Kherson. The church remained, but most people had left due to occupation. We agreed and went to restore the ministry,” they recall.

Since October 2024, they have been living and serving in Kherson.

Still, their ministry encompasses all aspects of pastoral care: they are fully immersed in community life, as if they plan to stay there forever. What comes next, they leave in God’s hands.

The couple comes from Christian families. Before marriage, Ilona studied at a missionary school and participated in choir and youth ministries. After moving to Lviv, they served together — helping the homeless and participating in gatherings. Eventually, they decided to embark on a long-term mission, which has now lasted over a year.

Today, the couple lives in Vysokopillia, Kherson region — about 45–50 km from the front line. Before the war, the local congregation had around 50 members; today, only 12 remain. Yet each gathering attracts 50–70 people.

“We serve not only here. Throughout the week, we hold ministry in several villages: Novovorontsovka, Novomykolaivka, Arkhanhelske, Novodmytrivka. Every Saturday, we hold three meetings. To work more effectively with children, Ilona and I are currently training, especially for Sunday school. This helps us better understand the needs of children and serve them more effectively.”

With God’s help, they were able to renovate the building: expanding the hall, updating the kitchen, and installing stretch ceilings.

Training at UETS, particularly participation in the “Superstar Workshop” program, provided not only knowledge but practical opportunities.

“It allowed us to learn how to write projects and apply for grants. Through our connection with Daniel, we learned about Novodmytrivka — we decided to help and run children’s ministry in this village. Initially, we visited once every two months, but later expanded into full ministry: children’s, prayer, and social meetings.”

Ministry in war conditions requires both spiritual and physical endurance. Most of the responsibility falls on the couple. They face financial instability, road challenges, and vehicle breakdowns.

“We drive up to 2,000 km each month. We repair the car with help from family and friends. Sometimes, we hold up to 39 meetings per month. Ilona organizes children’s gatherings: games, candy — all at her own expense.”

Serving just a few kilometers from the front line involves real risks to life.

Extreme situations occur:

“Once the car got stuck, Ilona took the wheel while I placed branches under the tires — and I saw a ribbon on a branch marked ‘Mined’… One wrong step — and it’s over. In moments like that, everything is reassessed.”

The couple maintains hope and dedication despite all difficulties.

“We sacrifice our youth and dreams, but we know why. Our dream is to see the people we serve take water baptism, to see their lives changed, and for them to truly follow Jesus. God can use even the smallest we have. If there is a desire to serve, it is already valuable. People are waiting for us.”

The story of Petro and Ilona demonstrates how dedication, faith, and a willingness to follow God’s calling can transform lives even in the most challenging times. Their ministry reminds us that even the smallest step in serving others is part of Jesus’ Great Commission and true service to the church and community.