Pastors and ministry leaders around the world experience a myriad of trials: war, displacement, violence, poverty, hostile governments, persecution, and more. Deep roots in Christ anchor them through the crucibles of affliction, equipping them to be beacons of hope in their communities.

Pastor Sasha is one example of this. He graduated from Global Action’s programme in 2010, and pastors a church in Northern Ukraine. His town was occupied by the Russian army, and he and his family personally witnessed many atrocities committed against their neighbours. When their town was liberated, Sasha immediately reached out to Global Action—not to request material assistance, but to ask that we bring our Foundations programme to his town to equip more church leaders with deep roots.

Throughout the occupation, he remained strong in the Lord and stayed focused on serving his church and community. Sasha is now equipping more leaders so that they can be beacons of hope and stability.