Called to Stay: One Man’s Mission in a War-Torn Ukraine with Ivan Prokopchuk
In the heart of Ukraine, where war has left cities shattered and families displaced, one man chose to stay. Ivan Prokopchuk’s story, shared in EEM’s podcast, is a testament to unwavering faith and the power of Christian mission. Through Bible distribution and spiritual support, Ivan continues to serve communities in crisis—bringing light into the darkest places.
The Power of Faith and Family: A Foundation for Ministry
The foundation of Vanya’s Christian mission began long before the war, through the example of his father, Sasha Pupuk, and his ministry. At just eight or nine years old, Vanya had a front-row seat to his dad’s journey of faith, which started with Sasha searching for Jesus in various churches before finally finding Him and being baptized. This personal transformation inspired Sasha to start preaching in 1995, and from that moment on, Vanya was by his side, following his father on every home visit and to every new church plant. This hands-on experience taught Vanya about Bible distribution and the importance of spreading God’s word. Vanya learned to operate a camera and even edit TV programs for his dad’s ministry, which airs nationally in Ukraine. This upbringing instilled in him a heart for service and a deep understanding of the purpose of ministry.
The Prokopchuk Family’s Legacy of Christian Outreach
As Vanya grew up, he saw the immense impact of his family’s ministry. In just one recent month, his father’s television program—which offers people the opportunity to study God’s word and receive Bibles—distributed over 17,000 Bibles in Ukraine alone. This incredible success is a powerful example of how the Eastern European Mission is able to accomplish its goals through dedicated partners like Vanya and his family. Vanya’s journey from a young boy helping his father to becoming a vital part of this work shows how God can use an open and receptive heart to fulfill His will in remarkable ways.
The Journey from Donetsk to Kyiv
The beginning of Vanya’s own family life coincided with the outbreak of war in Donetsk in 2014. His wife, Kate, was pregnant, and they made the difficult decision to leave their home to ensure the safety of their unborn child. They moved to Kharkiv, where their first daughter, Viera, was born. This period of displacement brought with it new challenges, including the struggle to find work. A brief nine-month period in Russia, where Vanya went to find a job, proved to be a time of deep loneliness for him and his wife, as they were separated from their church family and community. This experience, however, solidified their desire to return to Ukraine and their ministry. It was a friend who helped Vanya find sponsors to support his work with orphans, leading him to move to Kyiv to start anew with nothing but faith. This is where the story of EEM’s partnership with Vanya began to grow and flourish.
Faith-Fueled Ministry in Ukraine’s War Zones
Ivan Prokopchuk’s ministry is more than a response to crisis—it’s a calling. As part of the Eastern European Mission (EEM), Ivan’s work exemplifies the heart of Christian ministry in war zones. His decision to remain in Ukraine during the conflict speaks volumes about the courage and conviction behind EEM.org’s mission.
Staying When Others Flee: Ivan’s Commitment to Ukraine
While many fled the violence, Ivan stayed to serve. His presence offers spiritual support to those grappling with fear and loss. Through distributing Bibles and Christian literature, Ivan helps Ukraine hold onto hope.
He shares stories of visiting bombed-out neighborhoods, praying with families, and offering the Word of God to those who’ve lost everything. This kind of mission work in Ukraine isn’t just about survival—it’s about revival.
Bible Distribution in Ukraine: A Lifeline of Faith
EEM’s Bible distribution efforts have reached thousands, even amid conflict. Ivan describes how Bibles for kids in Ukraine are especially impactful—giving children a sense of peace and purpose.
Whether it’s a soldier seeking comfort or a mother reading Scripture to her children in a shelter, the presence of God’s Word is transformative. EEM.org continues to support Ivan’s ministry by ensuring access to Christian literature across Eastern Europe.
Evangelism in Eastern Europe: A Mission That Endures
Despite the chaos, evangelism in Eastern Europe continues. Ivan’s ministry is a beacon for others who feel called to help Ukraine. His story inspires believers worldwide to support Bible distribution, including Children’s Bibles, and spiritual care in regions torn by conflict.
Bringing Spiritual Support to Ukraine’s Children
Upon arriving in Kyiv with nothing, Vanya’s journey of faith truly began. He realized that if he was with God and followed His will, anything was possible. He started visiting orphanages, and his natural ability to connect with children quickly became apparent. He discovered that kids were drawn to his fun-loving personality and the genuine joy that radiated from him. He was a “magnet to them,” offering a much-needed sense of light and hope in their lives.
Orphan Ministry Ukraine: Reaching the Forgotten
Ivan’s outreach includes orphanages devastated by war. Many children have lost parents, homes, and a sense of safety. Through faith-based humanitarian work, Ivan brings joy, stability, and the message of Christ. Bible for kids Ukraine programs are tailored to meet these young hearts where they are—offering stories of hope, love, and redemption. This effort is more than just humanitarian work, it is about spreading love and hope to orphans in the midst of war. It’s Christian outreach in Eastern Europe at its most tender and powerful.
The Importance of Deep Relationships in Orphan Ministry
Initially, Vanya worked with six different orphanages, seeing thousands of children each week. However, he soon realized that while the numbers were impressive, it was impossible to build meaningful relationships with so many kids. He felt like a performer on a concert stage, simply singing a song and leaving without truly connecting. This realization led him to make a powerful decision: to focus on fewer orphanages to build deeper, more lasting relationships. He understood that a genuine Christian ministry, especially with vulnerable children, is about investing in a few, not spreading oneself too thin. This deep spiritual support is at the core of true orphan ministry in Ukraine.
More Than Just a Visit: Providing God’s Love
Vanya’s approach to his Christian outreach in Eastern Europe goes beyond a simple visit. He realized that the kids weren’t looking for things like clothes, phones, or sweets. What they truly craved was attention, a listening ear, and someone to talk to. It’s about being present and showing them God’s love through simple acts of kindness. He’s making a real impact by focusing on relationships and teaching them about Jesus. This relational approach is what leaves a lasting impression on the children, as evidenced by the messages he receives from former orphans who remember the “pure, clear, and really sweet time” they spent together. This is the essence of effective mission work in Ukraine—it’s not about the numbers; it’s about the heart-to-heart connection. The children are now even wanting to “pay it forward,” offering to send money to help other kids and wanting to join Vanya in his ministry.
Called to Stay: The Christian Response to the War
The war in Ukraine has become a “chronic illness,” as Dirk from the podcast describes it, with a numbing effect on the population. People are exhausted, with their nervous systems on edge, leading to heightened anger and conflict. Yet, despite the constant threat of air raids and the daily reality of loss, Vanya and many other believers are still thankful for each new day. Vanya says that people are tired of the news and the waiting, but they still feel blessed to be alive. This perspective is a direct result of their deep faith and their commitment to the Ukraine war Christian response.
A Shared Struggle and a Shared Faith
In the face of immense suffering, many are asking the age-old question of why God would allow such things to happen. Vanya’s answer is simple yet profound: God gave us free will. The war is not His creation, but a result of human choices. This understanding allows believers to find strength and purpose even in the darkest moments. The conflict has also brought a surprising unity among different denominations in Ukraine. Churches of different backgrounds, including Orthodox, are coming together to communicate and support one another. This unity shows that when people are focused on serving one God, the divisions between them fade away.
The Enduring Spirit of God’s People
Vanya tells the orphans that they are stronger than they think because God gives them struggles they can handle. He says the same to his fellow Ukrainians, reminding them that they can get through this with God’s guidance and faith. Vanya’s faith-based humanitarian work is not just about helping people survive physically, but spiritually and emotionally, too. This is why EEM’s mission to provide Bibles and spiritual support is so crucial. Vanya’s doctor, who is not a believer, even told him that “somebody is praying too hard for you” because of the way he handles the stress of his situation. This is a powerful testament to the impact of prayer and the peace that comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ. The prayers from around the world are felt deeply and are making a tangible difference.
EEM.org: Connecting Hearts Across Borders
EEM.org serves as the digital hub for Eastern European Mission’s work. From Bible distribution in Ukraine to Christian outreach in Eastern Europe, the site connects donors, volunteers, and prayer warriors. Ivan’s story is featured prominently, encouraging visitors to engage with the mission—whether through giving, praying, or sharing the message.
Faith-Based Work in Action
Ivan’s ministry is a living example of faith-based humanitarian work. It’s not just about physical tangible help—it’s about presence. Being there, listening, praying, and offering the eternal hope found in Scripture. EEM’s support ensures that Ivan and others like him have the resources to continue their work, even when the world around them is falling apart.
Christian Literature as a Tool for Healing
Christian literature and faith-based education resources distributed by EEM provides comfort and guidance. Ivan often shares how a simple Bible can open doors to healing, reconciliation, and renewed faith. In shelters, hospitals, and orphanages, these materials become lifelines—reminding people that they are not alone, and that God is with them.
Love that Never Returns Void: Called to Stay, Called to Serve
Ivan Prokopchuk’s story is a powerful reminder that the Christian mission doesn’t retreat in the face of danger—it leans in. This is a beacon of hope and a powerful reminder of God’s promise in Isaiah 55:11, that His word never returns void. Through the work of EEM and dedicated partners like Vanya, we are not only providing Bibles and Christian literature but also cultivating deep relationships and sharing the love of Jesus in a war-torn country. Vanya’s own prayer is that God would pour His love into the hearts of everyone, including the Russian soldiers, because “if those who have your love, they’ll never hurt anybody”.
The incredible act of Ukrainian believers providing Bibles in Russian to prisoners of war shows the true power of the gospel to overcome hatred and division. This is the heart of the Christian mission that EEM is honored to support. By helping us with Bible distribution in Ukraine through EEM.org, you are helping to change lives one heart at a time, proving that even in the midst of conflict, God’s love will always find a way to prevail.
Whether you’re moved to help Ukraine through prayer, donation, or simply sharing Ivan’s story, know that every act of support fuels a mission that brings light to the darkest places. Eastern European Mission continues to stand with Ukraine—and with those who are called to stay.
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