Ukraine’s president said on Friday that his forces would have to retreat without the promised U.S. military aid. Lawmakers aren’t expected to vote on a revised Ukraine aid package until April 9, when the Senate and House return from a two-week recess.

Meanwhile, Russia continues its relentless assault on key Ukrainian infrastructure. Russian forces have been attacking Ukrainian power stations on an almost daily basis since March 22, leading to blackouts throughout the country.

TWR’s Alenka Stephenson says Ukrainians are weary after two years of war.

“People are exposed to danger daily. Our colleagues [are] in touch with those people and living it with them,” Stephenson says.

“Everybody on the team knows somebody who either died in the war or was raped or tortured.”

TWR and its partners recently hosted a retreat for Ukraine team members and their families. The ride from a bordering European country into western Ukraine was a sobering experience.

“It was very peaceful, but as we were driving through the towns and villages, you could see the flags in the cemeteries,” Stephenson says.

“Each flag [represented] one fallen soldier. There were [only] a couple of cemeteries we passed by that didn’t have a flag, and we went through many towns and villages.”

(Photo courtesy of TWR)

Along with a much-needed break from the warzone, TWR leaders gave Ukrainian team members an inside look at TWR’s global media ministry.

“This was their first vacation in two years since the war started. It was in a mountain area resort, where they could switch off for a few days and be recharged,” Stephenson says.

“Not only a few leaders from the team were able to meet us, but we could meet all the staff, including their families.”

Now that you know, what will you do? “Every single member I talked to [said], ‘Just pray for us for strength to continue to encourage others and to bring [the] Gospel to those that are so lost and hopeless,’” Stephenson says.

You can also tangibly help the Ukraine media team by financially supporting their work through TWR’s Ukraine-Russia Crisis Fund.

Header image depicts flags at a cemetery in western Ukraine. Header and story images courtesy of TWR.

Russia controls roughly one-quarter of Ukraine today and plans to take even more territory in the coming months. Meanwhile, Ukraine struggles to recruit soldiers at home and help from abroad.

Trans World Radio’s Alenka Stephenson says, “It’s been two years in, and people are tired. A lot of times [they are] feeling the fatigue, apathy, and despair that there is no end in sight.”

TWR has been broadcasting the hope of Christ on multiple channels since the war began. More about that here.

For the tenth and final episode of How Are You There?, TWR Ukraine took a risk by traveling farther east to interview Christians in war-torn cities.
(Photo, caption courtesy of TWR Ukraine)

“Our ministry in Ukraine reshaped their whole programming to address the situation of the war, and they’re expanding on different levels,” Stephenson says.

“They won an award from the website Megogo [and] this was really encouraging for the team, that they made such an achievement on a national level, not just the Christian level.”

The team visits war-torn communities to talk with affected pastors and Christians, connecting Ukrainians across the airwaves.

“It’s amazing the resilience they have as a nation, but also the perseverance as Christians to stay firm and focused on spreading the Gospel, even in times like this,” Stephenson says.

“They get a lot of good feedback about how authentic they are, and not afraid to share very personal things on air to encourage others to sustain their faith and keep growing and not give up.”

Please pray for the team’s continued protection. “We have a lot of prayer items that come our way from our team there,” Stephenson says.

“A couple of days ago, a bomb fell not too far from the office. Nobody was hurt [and nothing] was damaged, but it is very close and reminds them of the dangerous times they live in.”

Use the prompts listed alongside this report to guide your intercession. Learn how to support TWR Ukraine’s work here.

“Thanks to the generous donations, we were able to help them with a new vehicle that they could use for recording different interviews as they travel because they make many, many trips to different churches, conferences, and seminars throughout the country,” Stephenson says.

Header image depicts tankmen of Azov Brigade firing from a tank T-64BV on Russian forces on January 21, 2024. (Photo, caption courtesy of National Guard of Ukraine/Wikimedia Commons)

Alenka Stephenson with TWR says most of their equipment in the city of Antakya miraculously survived the quakes and they were back on the air within a few weeks.

“Even up to today, throughout the whole year, they were able to air 24/7 Christian programs, Christian music, Bible verses and (able to be) just addressing the needs of people in shock.”

A year later, people in Türkiye are far from recovering. Stephenson says people are searching for answers about God. “This is what we’re trying to do, to address those topics that we see that people are interested in,” she says. 

For example, TWR has a special program in Syria that began when the Syrian civil war started. 

“This was the program (on which) we were able to include some of the topics for after (the) earthquake and (to) help them deal with with trauma,” Stephenson says. 

A listener to Hope for Syria contacted TWR with this message: “I can’t even express how much Hope for Syria has meant to me. It’s like a lifeline in the midst of all the chaos. I found strength in my faith that I never knew existed. Thank you for being that Guiding Light in our darkness.” 

Photo of construction works in Hatay Province, Türkiye courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

It’s just one radio program of many that God is using to beam hope to people in desperate circumstances around the world. 

In Turkiye, Stephenson says Christians recently went out to distribute practical supplies such as basic foods and also to let people know how they could tune in to TWR programs. 

“It’s a huge testimony because Christians were the one who stayed in the long run. A lot of times, humanitarian aid comes very quickly (when something) happens at the beginning, and then it’s easy to kind of fade out,” says Stephenson. 

“(They) actually keep coming back and helping out. Regardless of the religious background, they help everybody.”

TWR is in Türkiye to stay, to share the hope of Christ with people who listen and who reach out in response to their programs. Here’s how you can help. 

“Our teams need prayer, especially to absorb all the pain that people pour out to them, and they counsel them and they interact with them. So that’s a first one. And of course financially,” Stephenson says. 

TWR has special project funds set up for Turkey and Syria, available on their website. 

Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy of Stranger Things via Pexels. 

According to the United Nations, more than 108 million people were displaced at the end of 2022. Over half of the world’s 35 million refugees come from only three countries – Afghanistan, Syria, and Ukraine.

In Ukraine and the surrounding nations, Trans World Radio ministers to people on the run and in war zones.

A Roma woman holds one of the solar-powered radio units distributed by TWR.
(Photo courtesy of TWR)

“They visit a lot of churches; that’s one of their main activities besides recordings. They try to minister [through] counseling those people as they travel and visit,” TWR’s Alenka Stephenson says.

“They also get responses from the soldiers [in] the war zones. Some had [grown up in] church and drifted away and then came back” after they heard TWR programs, she adds.

Approximately one-third of Ukraine’s population is currently displaced. Roughly 5.5 million Ukrainians are homeless within the country, while some 6.3 million are refugees.

Individuals and families turn to TWR Ukraine for the latest updates and information about the war. Most importantly, TWR Ukraine shares the hope only Christ can give.

“They are looking into how to help people cope with the trauma, and the Roma ministry is also going quite well,” Stephenson says.

“Their goal is to help [people] in the current situation but [also] bring them to the source of hope: Jesus.”

Serving people in the middle of a war isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely essential. Here’s how you can help.

Pray that the Lord will open believers’ eyes so they can recognize His leading through circumstances or opportunities. Ask God to sustain the TWR Ukraine team and give them perseverance.

Pray for continued spiritual revival among the Roma populations in Ukraine who are tuning in to the various programs. Read the latest Roma update from TWR here.

“In Ukraine, [the Roma people are] often forgotten. [The TWR Ukraine team is] trying to bring them to Jesus,” Stephenson says.

“They did a radio distribution in nomadic Roma settlements. [The radio units have an] SD card with pre-recorded programs so people can use listen to the radio on it, [and] the programs. These are usually solar-powered, so they don’t need new batteries or recharging,” she continues.

“They’re also producing new programs and teaching different valuable things like ‘From Nomads to Farmers‘ or ‘How the War Changed the Roma People‘.”

Header and story images courtesy of TWR.

Now in its 16th month, the war is taking a heavy toll on people throughout the country. Approximately 40 percent of Ukraine’s population needs help to survive another day.

Alenka Stephenson with Trans World Radio Europe says people are desperate for hope. “One of the biggest outcomes of this terrible war is that the ministry blossomed in responses and interactions, especially online,” she says.

“They have over 100,000 subscribers from different platforms; with Facebook [alone], they reach over 2 million people.”

From its home base in Kyiv, the TWR Ukraine team produces biblical content broadcast nationwide and live-streamed online. More about that here.

The TWR Ukraine team visits war zones to conduct interviews and offer the hope of Jesus.
(Screenshot)

The TWR team goes to war zones, too. “They do a lot of trips to visit [combat-]affected areas to interview people, talk to them, and of course, to bring them the Good News,” Stephenson says.

“Recently, they (TWR Ukraine) organized a family seminar where people who would not normally sit in the church were coming because many of them [have] broken families. Men are in the war, and wives and children sometimes [go] abroad or [are] displaced.”

Read listener responses on TWR’s website here.

These Gospel workers have been going nonstop for nearly a year and a half. Will you pray for them today? “They’re tired, not only physically, but also emotionally,” Stephenson says.

“They try to find their pockets of rest; everybody needs refreshing, but nothing that [switches] off like we sometimes do. This is not an option for them at the moment.”

Ask the Lord to supernaturally re-energize believers on the TWR team. Pray for travel safety and more evangelization opportunities as the team presents at various churches nationwide.

Header image depicts the Kakhovka dam and hydroelectric power plant in April 2013. (Wikimedia Commons)

Today, people who survived the earthquakes struggle to stay alive in northwest Syria. Of the region’s 4.5 million people, 4.1 million need humanitarian aid to survive.

Although most church buildings in Aleppo are damaged, the congregations are uniting to help anyone in need.
(Photo, caption courtesy of TWR)

“The situation is quite bad regarding basic needs,” Trans World Radio’s Alenka Stephenson says.

“They (Syrians) were already [in] massive distress before the earthquake.”

Thankfully, the February earthquakes did not affect TWR’s team in Syria. They’re helping earthquake survivors through local church partners.

“We are not a humanitarian organization, but we have trusted local churches doing a lot of humanitarian work,” Stephenson says.

The team only gets one hour of electricity every seven to eight hours, but they’re determined to share the hope of Christ.

“It’s a massive undertaking, but they’re dedicated and motivated to keep producing programs,” Stephenson says.

“Hope for Syria started some years ago as a response to the war, but they have changed some content to address the current needs [from] the earthquake. They’re recording programming to help [people] deal with trauma and support them in healing.”

Partner with TWR in bringing help for today and hope for tomorrow to people in northern Syria.

“We have a crisis fund for Türkiye and Syria that is helping with the production of trauma healing programs [and] providing some humanitarian aid,” Stephenson says.

Many people in earthquake-stricken areas of Syria are homeless and lack basic needs. TWR strives to bring hope to the hopeless. (Photo, caption courtesy of TWR)

Thankfully, no one was killed, and only two people were injured. Orthodox Christians observe Easter on a different day than Protestants and Catholics because the Orthodox Church follows a different calendar.

Trans World Radio’s Alenka Stephenson says every day brings new challenges for believers in Ukraine. “Unfortunately, this war has become normal, as bad as it sounds,” Stephenson says.

As the war drags on, people adapt to survive. Earlier this month, Ukraine began training chaplains as officers, equipping them with military knowledge and tactical first aid.

“We know of Christian pastors that were drafted,” Stephenson says.

“They’re not officially chaplains, but they live out their faith, and they help the soldiers on the field” using resources supplied by TWR Ukraine.

Throughout the country, “people change their profession based on current need,” she continues.

“The mayors of the towns and cities are trying different ways to help the citizens with shelter and food, but also [by] retraining them in different skills so they can support the efforts.”

Help TWR’s team share the hope of Christ in Ukraine here.

“God has opened doors to expand their audience reach using YouTube, podcasts, and social media; they started doing video documentaries to focus on specific cities. They did Kharkiv and a few others,” Stephenson says.

“They (TWR Ukraine team members) go to the city and interview people, trying to get responses [about] how people are coping. For example, one younger guy that was interviewed said, ‘Christ gave His life for me; what right do I have to give less?’”

Most importantly, pray. “Pray for the team. It’s been really hard,” Stephenson says.

“Everybody on the team knows somebody killed in the war. [These] situations are [happening] on [a] daily basis; it’s like being under constant stress.”

Header image depicts the Saint Michael church of Moscow Patriarchate (1906) in Komyshuvakha settlement (Zaporizhzhia Oblast of Ukraine) after Russian shelling on April 16, 2023. (Wikimedia Commons)

Ukraine’s energy minister is asking people to limit their electricity use, even as “heating season” begins. The country’s energy provider urged people to “charge everything” yesterday before enacting nationwide power cuts.

Russian airstrikes destroyed up to three powerplants on Wednesday. One attack came too close for comfort for TransWorld Radio Ukraine team leader Alexander Chmut.

“The electricity plant where two missiles hit is very close [to] where Alexander lives, like one kilometer away from his home,” Alenka Stephenson with TWR Europe says.

“He sent us a short message saying, ‘The war is getting closer. But the studio is supplied and without disturbance, so praise God for that.’”

Russia has launched more than 300 airstrikes on Ukrainian energy facilities since October 10. The TWR team in Kyiv has every reason to leave, but they are determined to stay the course.

A historic house from the late 19th/early 20th century in Kyiv after a Russian strike with Iranian kamikaze drones on October 17, 2022.
(Wikimedia Commons)

“They see that people are desperate and open to the Gospel. The feedback [they receive] from listeners makes it very clear that this is the right place for them [right now], and the ministry they’re doing is making a difference,” Stephenson says.

Learn how you can help the TWR Ukraine team here.

Pray TWR broadcasts will point people to the hope of Christ. Radio is a critical resource in wartime.

“Be praying for our teammate from there, Vitaly Maryash. He’s a pastor and a producer of Studying the Bible Together. He has been called to war and is on the front lines at the moment,” Stephenson says.

“Please pray for his (Maryash’s) safety, courage, and boldness for our team as they proclaim the Gospel in these difficult times.”

In the header image, firefighters combat a blaze at a heat and power station in Kyiv after Russian shelling on the morning of October 18, 2022. (Wikimedia Commons)

On Friday, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko spoke against a general threat from Western forces:

“Everything was ready (referring to modifications made to Belarusian warplanes to carry nuclear weapons). It’s not a good idea to escalate things with Belarus because that would be an escalation with the Union State (of Russia and Belarus) which has nuclear weapons. If they start to create problems … the response will be immediate.”

To calm fears, believers in Belarus spread peace-filled messaging on radio airwaves.

“There’s always clear Gospel message in their programming so that people can have a chance to meet the Savior. There is always preaching; there is always Bible study material,” Alenka Stephenson of TransWorld Radio Europe says.

TWR’s contacts in Belarus describe significant responses to spiritual truth. The Belarusian team regularly airs seven radio programs.

Listener responses contain pain and joy, tears of repentance, heartfelt confessions, gratitude and of course, many questions. Listeners also requested and received hundreds of copies of the Gospel, and several thousand copies of spiritual literature.

Some listeners announced repenting of their sins and embracing Christ as Lord.

Praise God for this response, and pray for the safety of TWR contacts in Belarus and Russia.

“We have ministry friends in Russia, and contacts in Belarus as well. The circumstances are really challenging; [the] situation is difficult in each country,” Stephenson says.

“Pray also for wisdom for our contacts in Russia. They have to be really careful how they word their messaging so they would not be in trouble,” she continues.

“So far, they’ve been doing really amazing job and they have lots of responses coming their way: encouraging notes and [people] seeing them as a source of truth and light in their circumstances.”

In the header image, children in Belarus gather around a radio to listen to TWR’s children’s programming. (Photo courtesy of TWR ministry contacts)

Threats of Russian attack led the Ukrainian government to ban mass gatherings in Kyiv this week, and the United States encouraged any citizens in Ukraine to “leave now.”

Many people turn to local radio for the latest information. Alenka Stephenson with TransWorld Radio Europe says the TWR team in Ukraine is hard at work. “They are preparing a lot of up-to-date programming that can address the situation,” Stephenson says.

“[They want to] be the voice of hope, the voice of calmness, because many people are really struggling with fear. That fear overtakes and paralyzes people.”

Today also marks six months since Russia began its war on Ukraine. See our complete coverage of the crisis here. The conflict is now locked in a stalemate. Fighting near Europe’s largest nuclear power plant raises fears of a “catastrophic nuclear incident.”

(click to view animation) Animated map showing territorial advances between Russian/Ukrainian forces, from February 24.
(Wikimedia Commons)

“Even with all these things going on, the Church is going strong,” Stephenson says.

“We got the report of a mass baptism among the Roma community. Many people who never knew about TWR now know because they (TWR show hosts) talk about what is happening today. They’re addressing what is going on and [helping] people cope with it.”

Send tangible help through TWR’s Ukraine Crisis Fund here. Most importantly, pray. “Prayer is more powerful than any weapon that evil brings, so please pray for our teams,” Stephenson requests.

“They are anxious themselves, not knowing what tomorrow will bring, yet they’re trying to bring hope-filled messages to their nation. Pray for wisdom, their hearts to stay focused, and a clear understanding of the message they need to bring forward. Of course, pray for safety as well.”

Those who speak Ukrainian can listen to TWR’s 24/7 live stream here.

In the header image, members of the TWR Ukraine team film one of the numerous videos that have populated their social media channels. The videos join a flood of content created to minister to the people of Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, and surrounding areas.  (Photo, caption courtesy of TWR Ukraine)