A Heart For Ukraine - Fall Update

Dear friends,

We hope you are all doing well!

These past few months have been some of the most moving and humbling moments of our lives. As we shared in the last update, it has been a time of healing and seeing God restore our hearts. We are so looking forward to what He has in the coming season for us, either here in Romania or anywhere else He wants to take us.

We wanted to share with you what we’ve done in the last months.

Walking Through Grief in Ternopil

In Ternopil, Ukraine, I met families living with a pain that’s hard to even put into words. One story that still haunts my heart is of a sister whose brother has been missing, presumed caught in an occupied area. Her elderly mother, nearly blind and deaf, cries out for him every single day. Being there, holding their hands, praying with them, and just sitting in their grief, it was heartbreaking, yet beautiful in its raw honesty. It reminded me how important it is to mourn with those who mourn, as the Bible teaches. Their pain touched me deeply and reminded me of the fragility of life, the depth of love, and the power of simply being present. I had the honor of preaching in their local church.

Youth Conference – Create in me a pure heart

In Lviv, over 85 young people came to a conference we called “God’s Design,” where we talked about identity, purity, and God’s plan for sexuality. Many carried years of shame and guilt—things they had never been able to share because these topics are often taboo in their families and churches. I shared my own story, my struggles, my failures, and how God restored me. Watching these young people open up, confess, and receive prayer was one of the most moving experiences of my life. I saw transformation in real time—hearts lifting, shoulders relaxing, tears turning into smiles. Afterward, so many sent messages of gratitude, telling me how this changed their perspective and gave them hope. God’s grace was tangible in that room, and it changed me just as much as it changed them.

Lviv Orphanage – Joy Amid Hardship

I also visited an orphanage in Lviv, bringing gifts and spending time with the children. Their laughter, curiosity are beautiful. The director, an elderly man facing health challenges, and his son with special needs, carry enormous burdens, but their love for these children is unwavering. Being there reminded me why this work matters, and how even small acts of presence and encouragement can plant seeds of hope. Normally, when I visit, I bring cookies, and the kids make tea; we sit at the table and talk for hours. I treasure these moments.

Baptism of Diana and Natalia

Another highlight of these months was witnessing the baptism of Diana and Natalia. Seeing them make this public declaration of faith was incredibly special. Their journey toward Jesus has been full of challenges, but their courage and sincerity inspired everyone present. We love our Ukrainian daughters and are so proud of them and who they are becoming!

Discipleship and Leadership Meetings

Throughout this time, I’ve also continued meeting with leaders and young believers in Ukraine for discipleship and encouragement. These moments, whether in small groups or one-on-one, have been powerful times of growth, prayer, and learning together. Many of these leaders are navigating ministry in difficult circumstances, yet their faith and perseverance are truly inspiring. It’s been an honor to walk alongside them, to listen, and to help them grow as disciples and servants of Christ.

Friendships I Never Imagined

One of the most unexpected blessings of these months has been the friendships I’ve made in Ukraine. I never imagined how deep these connections would become, or how much I would love these people. They have been a source of encouragement, laughter, and strength. Sharing life with them, walking through joy and pain together, has been a gift I will treasure forever.

Partnerships and Support

Through all of this, I have continued to partner with local churches and ministries, standing alongside them in both practical ways and prayer. Every message of encouragement, every donation, every prayer, makes a real difference and reminds me that none of this is done alone.

Ministry in Romania and This Season of Ukraine

While much of our recent focus has been in Ukraine, we continue to serve and stay connected with believers in Romania as well. Our time here has become more about walking alongside others, encouraging, listening, and supporting people as they navigate challenges in faith and life.

This has been a unique season for us—a time when God has clearly drawn our hearts toward Ukraine. The ongoing war and the pain people are living through have made the need for hope, presence, and pastoral care so evident. We’ve found ourselves returning again and again, building friendships and walking with people through grief, healing, and renewal.

Still, Romania remains dear to us. It’s where we live, and where God continues to give us opportunities to bless and encourage others. We trust that He will continue to guide each step, in both Romania and Ukraine, as we follow His leading in this season.

Prayer Requests

• Guidance and wisdom as we discern the next steps in ministry.

• Financial provision. By December, we would lose roughly 50% of our support and need God’s help to continue serving. If you would like to support us, visit Donate.

• Strength, protection, and comfort for those affected by the war.

  
  

Thank you for walking with us on this journey. Your prayers, encouragement, and love make it possible to share hope, healing, and God’s love with those who need it most. We continue this work together. God bless you!

With love and gratitude,

Alejandro & Rozanne Venegas

The Table Collective