Missionaries: Reverend Mark & Laura Bonhanan
Heart of Ukraine Ministries
UPDATE: March 1, 2025
Greetings from Ukraine,
I’m sure you have head about the meeting between President Zelenskiy and President Trump and VP Vance that was televised recently. We can share that Ukrainians are in total shock and very angry with how their President was treated.
There are questions swirling around here about America’s fall that leaves it unmentioned in character and location in the Bible, and the king of the north (most theologians believe is Russia) gaining power and coming down to attack Israel (the path that most assuredly will be through Ukraine). We are not even sure what to say about it all and are trying to let our peace and hope be in Christ. Obviously, lots of prayer is needed and trusting in the plan God has for it all.
Despite the circumstances, we are focusing on the calling God has put on our lives in reaching the lost, forgotten and outcast with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Here is a video from Gather 25 about Ukraine, “War Won’t Stop the Church”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ws1b3uNfgZY. Would you commit to praying for Ukraine for just one minute?
Just a quick follow up on Pastor Sergey, this past Monday he went and had the stiches taken out and his surgeon is happy with his progress (tumor and kidney removed). Sergey still has to be sedentary for two more weeks, then he will be re-evaluated. We’ve had guest speakers at church for two Sundays, but Sunday March 2d, Pastor Sergey will come to church and preach. The church is so excited to see him face-to-face, even though we’ve all been in contact with him.
On the not-so-good side of things, Pastor Sergey’s doctors have indicated there are spots on his other kidney and one lung that they are concerned about. An appointment with an Oncology Clinic in Kyiv is being scheduled to further examine the situation.
He would appreciate your continued prayers for his health and his family.
We pray God’s blessings over you and that you are drawn into an ever closer relationship with our Father.
Love in Christ,
Rev Mark & Laura Bohanan
heartofukraineministries@gmail.com
Facebook: Heart of Ukraine Ministries
www.heartofukraine.org
UPDATE: February 15, 2025
Hello ! A day after the surgery, on Tuesday, Pastor Sergey was moved from ICU to a regular ward, where his wife Mya was able to visit him. He was allowed to stand up and gingerly walk around a little on Tuesday and feeling fairly good.
The Doctors say that the operation was successful.
Pastor Sergey was released from the hospital on Friday. He says his wounds hurt some and he is taking anti-inflammatory medications. The Doctors say he will improve a little each day, but he is required to rest for a month with a special diet. In about a week, he will return to get the stitches out.
On Sunday he will stay home and someone else will preach. Mark will pick up Mya and Andre (their teen son) and take them to/from church.
Sending his warmest greetings, Pastor Sergey is very thankful for everyone who prayed for him and helped him through this difficult time.
Love in Christ,
Rev Mark & Laura Bohanan
heartofukraineministries@gmail.com
Facebook: Heart of Ukraine Ministries
www.heartofukraine.org
UPDATE: February 10, 2025
We heard from Mya, Pastor Sergey’s wife. He underwent surgery Monday morning (Ukraine time) to remove his right kidney and the attached tumor. It appears the surgery went well, however Mya only had a minute or two with Sergey after he woke up from anesthesia. Mya mentioned that, as per usual there, the doctors were not very talkative in explaining what is going on.
Pastor Sergey was moved to ICU where he will stay until about 11 am Tuesday (Ukraine time; our wee hours of the morning). Once he is moved to a regular room, Mya will be able to spend more time with him and learn more about the surgery and what is to come.
Mya expressed her sincere appreciation for keeping them in prayer.
We will keep you updated.
Love in Christ,
Rev Mark & Laura Bohanan
heartofukraineministries@protonmail.com
www.heartofukraine.org
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; Isaiah 61:1
UPDATE: February 7, 2025
Pastor Sergey has completed all his testing and consultations, and will have his surgery on Monday morning, February 10. He is to report to the hospital at 8 am and the surgery will be sometime that morning.
TIME: 8 am (0800) in Ukraine equals:
· 1 am EST; -7 hours, 0100
· 12 am CST; -8 hours, 0000
· 11 pm MST (previous day; Feb 9th); -9 hours, 2300
· 10 pm PST (previous day; Feb 9th); -10 hours, 2200
He has expressed his deepest gratitude for the generous hearts who are dedicating time to pray for him and who gave financially.
The surgery cost is projected at $1,900-2,500 and with your help we have raised: $2,240.57 (after transfer fees).
Laura will be keeping in touch with Mya, Pastor Sergey’s wife, and we hope to give you an update after the surgery.
Love in Christ,
Rev Mark & Laura Bohanan
heartofukraineministries@gmail.com
Facebook: Heart of Ukraine Ministries
www.heartofukraine.org
UPDATE: January 31, 2025
From Mark & Laura, slaves of Jesus Christ (Phil 1:1),
This holiday season was busy, busy, busy for us, more so than ever before, and we were able to share God’s love boldly in different venues. In addition to the many holiday events and activities, at David’s House, Yura, had his ankle surgery and Laura had to plan a unexpected trip back to the USA due to her mother’s health.
The Living Hope Soup Kitchen is running really well and we are awaiting the last deliveries of stainless steel tables, a fridge, and a freezer. The number of guests eating with us has risen to around 80, which is double from Oct/Nov. Due to the increase in guests, we’ve had to rearrange a few tables and the partition wall to allow for more dining space. We are being blessed with more volunteers who are helping to cook, serve, and/or to speak a Gospel message.
Some prayer requests for:
· Pastor Sergey, as he prepares for the surgery to remove his right kidney and the tumor on it. And, the ensuing influence on his military review for duty. So far, approximately $1,400 of the $1,900-2,500 needed has been raised for his operation.
· Laura’s trip to Tennessee, Jan 14 – Feb 18 and her mother’s chemo therapy. And, for Mark back in Ukraine handling the ministry.
· A grant we are applying for that would allow us to bring on paid staff, provide training, and add another day of feeding at our soup kitchen.
· For our gradated client, Dema, who is struggling to adapt to his new life outside of the rehab center.
· Wisdom as we consider how to engage our soup kitchen guests more and expose them to Christ’s saving grace through deeper relationships with them.
We pray this new year of 2025 is full of wonder for you in how God provides, protects, and blesses you. As always, we and those we serve are indebted to you for your prayers and support.
Love in Christ,
Rev Mark & Laura Bohanan
heartofukraineministries@gmail.com
Facebook: Heart of Ukraine Ministries
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