Terror and Beauty | February 2026
From January 18 to February 8, Dr. Ivan Rusyn, President of the Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary (UETS), visited the United States on a trip hosted by several congregations connected to The Outreach Foundation. Dr. Rusyn’s messages uplifted and challenged us with news out of Ukraine that is both heartbreaking and marked by terror. Yet he consistently said his purpose was not to focus on such things. In a quick pivot, he spoke in ways that gave us hope and inspired us because the church is shining with beauty as it sings the song God has given her to sing in such times. I am here.
Dr. Rusyn with several Fellowship Community pastors gathering at Solano Beach Presbtyerian Church.
Dr. Rusyn’s visit began in sunny California, meeting with familiar friends at Village Presbyterian Church. His sermon focused on a well-known part of Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount. “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet” (Mt 5:13). A compelling message for us to hear is the Lord has called His church body in Ukraine to be salt and light in this unique time in their history.
What should we do then? Not obey? No, we must obey.
Obedience in such times as this is challenging even on the best of days. Russia is waging a campaign against the people of Ukraine by terrorizing them into submission. It feels especially cruel that in sub-zero temperatures, the Russian military targets civilians in cities and villages so that for 12-18 hours on average per day people are without power. Drone pilots continue to target emergency first responder vehicles (a war crime). Highways used by civilian cars now have nets covering them to capture attacking drones. The situation is grave, but it was encouraging to hear Dr. Rusyn share several first-hand accounts from chaplains serving on the front lines with the military, and from counselors and pastors trained by UETS serving throughout Ukraine. We were especially interested to hear that the Ukrainian political leadership has recently declared Protestant pastors are ESSENTIAL workers to Ukrainian society. To anyone who knows their history, this would have been unimaginable even five years ago.
Their level of obedience is inspiring, but it tells only half the story. Dr. Rusyn is always gracious, thanking us for every form of support. This year’s visit was marked by what Ukrainians sense is a decline in attention and political support. While not demoralizing to them, Dr. Rusyn shared that this year, Ukrainians are more confused, feel more alone, and are even more exhausted.
He reminded us just how important we are to his seminary and how much good work is being done. He said: We are salt and light because YOU have stood with us for years throughout this war. Without YOU, we would have been trampled long ago. Please stay with us. Prophetically, he spoke about the body of Christ suffering in Ukraine and asked that we will suffer with it. This message was timely and many emerged from his conversations hopeful that their support is helping Ivan and his team make a difference.
His last words before boarding the flight home moved us. “My heart is full of gratitude to God and you. God has done amazing things during this trip. You have done amazing things for Ukraine, UETS, and me. I came burdened, exhausted, and feeling alone as all Ukrainians do at this time. Because of my time with you, I could feel the Lord healing my heart, and He reminded me that we are not alone because you stand with us. Thank you.”
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Outreach Foundation is grateful to each of the congregations that hosted Dr. Rusyn. Many people are asking, “How can we help? What can we do?” First, we encourage you to watch this video of Dr. Rusyn’s presentation at St. Paul Church in Columbus, GA. Hear from his own words how we can be in prayer. Also, you can view updates about the seminary’s work here.
Second, the mission of UETS needs our support as they serve Ukrainians holistically and continue their mission in Central Asia! Please prayerfully consider gifts that will support this deeply trustworthy partner in a hard area. Dr. Rusyn spoke especially of helping some of the 600 UETS students attend full-time through scholarships. This will launch them into service to Ukraine through the church much sooner than if they work and study at the same time.
You may make a gift by sending a check to the address below with the partner name “UETS” in the memo or you can donate on our website: www.theoutreachfoundation.org.
