Dennis Melnichuk
September 9, 2025
A shift is taking place
This August, we partnered with Jesus Camp, a ministry commissioned by CfAN, to run a school of evangelism geared at equipping believers and churches to reach the lost in their city and missional contexts. People came from different regions across the country to be equipped to effectively share the Gospel —many who attended experienced public evangelism for the very first time.
A host of Ukrainian believers, hungry to preach the Gospel on the streets of their nation, gathered together to be equipped to do just that. The 3-day training proved what we have been observing over the last couple of years. Since the outset of the war, an ongoing shift in the spiritual climate is taking place. Only just a decade ago, the sight of what took place in Ternopil, Ukraine, would have been a rarity. Now, as momentum picks up, more local Christians are discovering how to reach their neighbors and cities through bold evangelism.
All signs point to this being the beginning of a much larger movement.
In just two outreaches
• People heard the Gospel: 587
• Prayed for repentance: 82
• People received prayer for healing: 31
• Received water baptism: 1
Testimony A
One girl, visiting home from her temporary refuge in Denmark, joined us for the program. On the day of outreach, we encouraged each person to break out of their comfort zones by open-air preaching. Not willing to let her fears get the best of her, she worked up the courage and seized the moment to declare the Gospel openly!
The streets were packed because unbeknownst to us, the school was scheduled on the same weekend as the anniversary of the city's founding. Crowds walked through the park, strolling through the festiviities and visiting the lunch vendors whose grills billowed out the smoke of BBQ. Yet, when she began to speak, some took notice and quietly listened even as others continued walking past her. Her voice was not in vain. As she voiced the final call to repentance, several employees of the nearby vendors responded by raising their hands and were prayed for!
Testimony B
One visiting attendee was so impacted during her time at the school that she realized she should not hold off on water baptism any longer. She asked if she could be baptized. After the outreach, the entire school gathered together and walked to the lake in one large group. All along the way, they chanted the name of Jesus, sang songs, and preached to anyone who would listen. The scene was full of indescribable, glorious joy!...
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It was Saturday afternoon, and so the beach was especially crowded. When we walked into the water, onlookers curiously observed what was taking place on their weekend outing. We didn't look like the typical church baptismal event! After she confessed her faith in Jesus before the watching crowd of witnesses, she went into the water and came out with her hands raised unashamedly to Jesus with raw adoration and love for him.
When we came back on dry ground, I (Dennis) took the microphone and softly explained what had just taken place. I talked about the power of Jesus to save through genuine repentance and faith. I also shared who God is. He is not distant, and not hidden in a church; he is not far from us. With the crowd looking on, I continued: In fact, this very moment is his beckoning you. He is offering you a new life. With these words, speaking into the mic, mindful that there may be those who would rather not hear what I had to say, I invited people to pray with me.
I then welcomed anyone who prayed to come and talk to us. To my delight, several men came and approached us (still in their swimming shorts), ready to meet with God. Several of our group jumped at the opportunity to minister to these men.
The whole event was an incredible reminder of how the Spirit breaks cultural barriers. Even in Eastern Europe, where the culture may be described as more "standoffish," the message of Christ breaks barriers. When we preach, it can be rightly said that we quite actually "fish" for men's souls. God is truly desiring to make Himself known to the heart of mankind. He seeks messengers who will proclaim His Gospel to the world.
The need for the power
Just 25 years ago, if someone asked a stranger to point out Ukraine on a map, many would admit they did not know such a place existed, never mind where it was located geographically (a quaint nostalgia of my elementary school day social interactions). Now, occasioned by the crisis set off on February 24, 2022, this area of the world, once so seemingly insignificant, has taken worldwide attention. Additionally, international humanitarian organizations and numerous Christian ministries have been targeting Ukraine with support, resources, and training. All these responses have triggered a change in this country in multiple ways...
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This attention has resulted in encouraging many Ukrainians in their resolve to stay steadfast in the face of war. A significant number of those who have lost everything have realized a greater sense of faith in God. We personally know those whose entire lives have been redirected as they responded to the call of God upon them in this hour. In turn, they have selflessly served others in whatever ways possible. As their hands stretched out to their neighbor, a stirring for a greater spiritual power has enamored many. The limits of humanitarian aid, both in terms of resources and effect, become increasingly evident. This is where God's Spirit is meeting people.
The cry for "more" is bringing people together who share this one passion for Jesus. A community of friends and ministries is finding commonality in this same pursuit. Territorialism is being shed in favor of cooperation; personal agendas are increasingly being considered in light of the unifying purpose of God's Kingdom on a larger, national scale.
Evangelistic Alliance in Ukraine
In a response to this growing desire for collaboration in the body of Christ, a community of revivalists is forming to network ministries and churches together throughout the country.
We are thrilled to be now part of the strategic coordination team launching this network in Ukraine!
See more about what we are doing as partners and national coordinators with the Global Evangelistic Alliance
🇺🇦 Ukrainian Evangelist Alliance
🌍 Global Evangelistic Alliance
There is more exciting news on the way. We look forward to staying in touch with you! If what you read has encouraged you and you would like to partner with us in the Gospel, please follow the button below! The ministry we do is made possible by God's grace in the generosity of the body of Christ.
