In 2020, Andrey and Liubov, a couple with hearts full of faith and compassion, founded *Spring of Joy International* in Ukraine. Both missionaries and trained in psychology, they set out to serve families and children living in poverty. Their center in Kharkov provided food, clothing, medical supplies, and psychological support. But more than that, it became a place where children learned about the Bible and essential social skills, and where individuals struggling with the psychological toll of the COVID-19 pandemic found solace and guidance.
When war broke out in Ukraine, Kharkov, on the frontlines, became a dangerous place. But Andrey and Liubov chose to stay. Their mission, once focused on poverty and education, shifted dramatically as the city was bombarded almost daily. They evacuated families, provided spiritual and psychological support, and transformed their center into a shelter. They hosted holiday events to bring light into the darkest times, distributed food, clothing, and medical supplies, and helped those who had lost everything.
In the midst of it all, they saw God’s hand at work. Despite the destruction and fear, they witnessed miracles every day—families reunited, lives saved, and moments of hope and peace that only God could provide. “God is good,” they would often say, “even in this chaos.”
Andrey, a psychologist, police chaplain, and lead pastor, regularly visited the frontlines, praying with soldiers and bringing homemade meals prepared by their support groups. His work became one-on-one, helping individuals cope with the trauma of war and loss. Meanwhile, Liubov, a psychologist, continued to counsel families, offering hope and healing.
Their mission expanded as they trained volunteers, leaders, and pastors, equipping them to reach out to non-believers during the war. Even the children, sheltered from the worst of the violence, gathered in the center’s kids’ club to learn Bible lessons and develop social skills.
Through the chaos and destruction, *Spring of Joy International* became a beacon of hope for a city in crisis. Andrey and Liubov unwavering faith and service, alongside a growing community of volunteers, showed that even in the darkest times, love, compassion, and resilience could bring light. And in all of it, they never stopped proclaiming that God is good, and His miracles are ever-present, even in the midst of war.