Ministry Focus
Aleksander has served the Lord in various ministries in Donetsk, Ukraine. He`s taught Sunday school, been a youth minister, a deacon and a preacher. He has been appointed as the Coordinator of Ministries in Ukraine, a brand new field for Mission Door.
At Donetsk Christian University he acted as student dean, field education teacher of subjects Marriage and Family, Personal Evangelism and Counseling.
Since 2004 he has served as a pastor of New Life Church and is a leader of the Christian Family Center. He preaches every Sunday, teaches Bible classes for new believers, does pastoral counseling and leads family conferences. His goal is to reach people by serving them in spiritual, family and material issues.
In 2014, a war began in the east of Ukraine, which continues to this day. Russia captured part of Donetsk and Lugansk regions. As a result, famine, repression and dispossession of people began in those areas. Alexander and his assistants began the “Help to Survive” ministry and continue it till this day. They feed the hungry, give clothes to the naked, put shoes on the barefoot, and preach the Gospel to them. During this time, more than 700 unbelievers have heard the Gospel and many of them repented. On July 6, 2018, Russian soldiers seized the building of the New Life Church and our church was forced out to the street without any building to have church services in. Alexander and seven other families moved to the city of Bakhmut, which is in the free Ukraine, and they began to organize a new church. Many immigrants who suffered from the war attend that church…
Faith Story
Alexander was born in a Christian home in Torez, Donetsk region, East Ukraine, during the time of the Soviet Union. It was a difficult time to be a Christian. His family was persecuted. The communists came to their house searching for any Christian literature, and took it away.
God touched his heart when he was 10 years old and he repented sincerely. He was baptized when he was 15 years old. From that time he has followed Jesus and he continues to serve Him.
Sveta was born in Lutsk, Volun region, West Ukraine, into a Christian home. Her parents were members of the underground Baptist church. Their family was persecuted too. Her father was in prison because of his faith at the time of the Soviet Union. She repented when she was 14 years old and was baptized when she was 16. She sings for the Lord in her family and in the church.
Education
B.Th., Donetsk Christian University, Donetsk , Ukraine (1993 – 1996)
M.A., TCM International, Wien, Austria (2002 – 2010)
M.Div., continuing studies at TCM International, Wien, Austria
WAYS TO SUPPORT
Alexander and Svetlana by making a financial donation using a Credit Card or by Direct Debit (ACH).
Learn more about where this ministry happens
Against a backdrop of natural beauty and colorful traditions, hard-working people face challenges
Ukraine is a vast country — the third largest in Europe — full of natural beauty, from fertile plains and rugged mountains, to winding rivers and Black Sea beaches.
Its people face critical challenges related to finances and foreign and national security. Thousands live in poverty and need, yet they show resilience through their colorful cultural heritage and warm hospitality.
Two-thirds of the population live in cities and towns, many of which feature historic architecture, lively markets and cafes, active sports and higher education. Among households in rural areas, 35% are likely to be poor, compared to the 24% national poverty rate.
A popular cultural and political saying captures the persistent sentiment of the nation: "Together we are many. We cannot be defeated."
Your participation with Missions Door helps to meet strategic and spiritual needs of communities in Ukraine through church planting, social outreach and leadership development.
Cultural Snapshot
Easter eggs, called pysanky, are elaborately decorated with traditional Ukrainian designs.
Faith Fact
A Ukrainian composer wrote the well-known Christmas song, Carol of the Bells, based on a folk melody.
Country Profile
Population: 44 million
Major Religions: 52% Orthodox, 26% Protestant, 14% Catholic
Languages: 67% Ukrainian, 24% Russian
Literacy: 99%
Poverty: 24% overall, 70% for families with 4+ children
Ministry service area:
International
Ministry location:
, Ukraine