Heroes of Faith

Pastor Mikhail with his family

“May we please come and live with your family?” 

This was the plea of a ten-year-old big sister to Mikhail Mukienko, a Ukranian pastor, on behalf of herself and her two younger siblings, ages six and two. As I listened to this story from Pastor Mikhail during my October trip to visit Converge Heartland’s Ukrainian ministry partners, I wept. 

The war and all related circumstances created a situation in which these three siblings had nowhere to turn. That’s when the small-town community leaders of Tatarbunary in Ukraine’s Odesa Oblast approached Pastor Mikhail to assist. He and their century-old church are widely celebrated in the community for the great love they have shown to those from the war and for having already led over 15 harrowing supply caravans to aid suffering souls on the war front.

At first, Mikhail told the leaders he would let these children’s urgent need be known to the larger church community, but the community leaders responded by saying, “Actually, we were hoping that your family would consider taking in these children.” Pastor Mikhail was surprised because they all knew Ukraine’s economic situation was harsh. He is a pastor with humble means, and he and his wife already have seven biological children. According to former Soviet standards, having ten biological children makes one an official hero and the Mukienkos had stopped three children short of “official hero” status. Nevertheless, Mikhail agreed by faith to discuss this urgent need with his wife.

In the meantime, city leaders requested that Pastor Mikhail and the church permit these three siblings to participate in the church’s summer camping/VBS ministry, which was about to begin. Mikhail agreed. Throughout the week of camp, Pastor Mikhail taught children and youth about strengthening their relationship with God by consistently reading God’s word and praying in private, with friends, with their family members, and in public. He used examples from his own family’s time of prayer and scripture reading. The three homeless siblings enjoyed their time at camp as they experienced it to be a safe atmosphere filled with love, joy, and kindness.

When the camp ended, Mikhail found himself taking the three homeless children back to their temporary foster-care housing. Not knowing if they were aware that city officials had spoken to them about his family or not, he kindly drove them to where they were temporarily staying.  

When they arrived, the oldest sibling looked at Pastor Mikhail and said, “May we please come and live with your family? We will read the Bible and pray together with you all.” Pastor Mikhail was completely undone by this little girl’s words and heart for her siblings. It was similar to Ruth’s words to Naomi in Ruth 1:16: “…your people will be my people and your God will be my God.”

Of course, Mikhail and his wife agreed to take in the three siblings. For the past 18 months, the Mukienko family now has 10 children. By Soviet standards or not, Pastor Mikhail and his family are modern-day heroes of the faith!

Your Ukraine Relief support is helping pastoral families like the Mukienkos minister to people in their greatest physical and spiritual need. During my October trip to visit our ministry partners in Ukraine, I encountered many such stories of faith. This is only one. 

Thank you for your continued support of Ukrainian ministry families. This fruit abounds to your account!