Hey everyone, hope you're all doing great and navigating the back half of the year well. It's hard to believe it's already November!
This has been a really full season here. Honestly, when I look back at everything that's happened, I'm just so thankful for your partnership. Knowing you are consistently praying and giving makes all the difference - it's what allows me to serve in this ministry. Thank you for making this a reality.
Summer is always an amazing time for ministry opportunities. I had the privilege to serve at five camps this summer, two of which were in Ukraine (more on that later). It’s always great to serve alongside churches and reach new young people for Christ. One of the stories we got to hear, and also record for video, was Filip’s. An English camp completely turned his life around, changing his view of God from a strict ruler to a loving father. You can watch his powerful and honest story below!
Serving in Ukraine: Finding Hope
This summer I led a team that helped with two camps in Ukraine. Since the full-scale invasion started in 2022, I’ve been part of five mission trips there. It’s always amazing to serve alongside the local missionaries and churches - we end up doing ministry that’s very similar to our camps right here in Slovakia, but the atmosphere is obviously different.
I know some people might think it’s a little crazy to go into a country actively at war, but my team and I genuinely believe it’s the right kind of crazy - for God. We talked about this a lot while preparing, focusing on the simple, powerful truth Paul shared: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21). Did we stop and ask ourselves if we were truly ready to face that possibility? Yes, we did, and that conviction is key, because while our camps aren't directly on the front lines, we had air alarms and saw bombings happen as close as 50 miles away from our location this summer.
But even in that reality, we aren't seeing God work because of the war, but powerfully despite it. In fact, some of the local churches we partnered with have grown rapidly since the war started, partly due to internal migration, but mainly because people are seeking hope and finding new faith. This summer we even served alongside some young Ukrainians who put their faith in Christ at camp we did just a year ago! It’s an incredible reminder that God’s mission moves forward, no matter what.
New Focus & Local Ministry
My day-to-day work here in Slovakia has shifted recently, which is exciting. I’m now part of the Camps Team. This means that throughout the year, I’ll be spending more time on planning, training, and running camps here. This new role also means I’m responsible for recruiting more people willing to go to Ukraine and serve next summer.
On a personal note, I’m excited to share that this month I’m officially becoming a member of my local church here in Žilina. I’ve felt at home here for a long time, so it feels right to finally make it official and commit to this community.
The ministry I focus on the most locally is our weekly youth group for university age and older students. We usually have around 25 young people every week, and I get to help lead them on their path toward Christ—wherever they are. This group is awesome because it’s a real mix: we have one guy who is studying theology and another who is an outspoken atheist... and everyone in between! It’s messy, it’s honest, and we get to be there for them every week, reminding them of God’s love right where they are. I’m also thinking about opening my apartment more and starting a small group soon, so maybe in a future update you’ll hear more about that!.
Partnership & Prayer Requests
If Filip's story from the video or reading about Ukraine caught your attention, please know that I have many more stories I’d love to share - feel free to reach out, and we can easily arrange a call!
Video and photography still remain a big part of my ministry, and I love telling stories of His movement through them. Feel free to explore this page where I include many more videos I've made.
Here are four ways you can join in prayer:
• Ukraine Recruiting: I am now recruiting more people willing to go to Ukraine next summer. Please pray for me as I'm schedulet to speak in multiple churches all over the country.
• Local Ministry: Pray for wisdom and energy as I lead the university youth group and as I plan to possibly start a small group in my apartment soon.
• Physical Health: Please also pray for my physical health. I live with a chronic intestinal condition, and I need grace, strength, and energy to manage it well.
• Financial Support: I've definitely seen God's provision in my support raising so far, and I'm so thankful for every single one of you - your support is a huge part of the fruit we see! However, with inflation, my monthly expenses are higher, and I'm currently at 65% of my monthly support raised. Would you please pray about whether you could increase your current pledge to help me reach 100% by the end of the year? Or, do you know a friend or colleague who might be open to hearing about the ministry? I'm also raising money for Ukraine, let me know if you want to hear more about that.
Thank you again for standing with me and for sharing in this mission.
Thank you for your support!