Missionaries: Reverend Mark & Laura Bonhanan

Heart of Ukraine Ministries

UPDATE: June 5, 2025

Greetings in God’s Holy Name !

First, we’d like to apologize for not sending out a Newsletter for several months. Things have gotten really hectic for a number of reasons.

I (Mark) had to take an unexpected trip to California to help family and was gone for just over 7 weeks. The day I returned, May 15^th, was the day Laura flew out to Tennessee to help her parents (and sister caring for them) through some big changes. Initially, we had planned for her to leave in early June, but some circumstances pushed the trip to an earlier date.  By the time she returns on June 23^rd, it will have been 3 months since we’ve seen each other in person.

Since I flew out on April 5th, it left Laura with all the planting at David’s House Rehab Center, as well as all the animals. She worked the tractor in my place and even repaired it twice; she is a smart and capable lady! This and all of my other responsibilities in the ministry fell on her shoulders while I was gone. And, our client Yura was still on his knee crutch unable to use his right leg/ankle/foot and unable to walk in uneven ground or carry lots of weight. So, Laura not only cared for our 3 large sows, but two batches of 100 broiler (chicken) chicks and 50 new laying hens, as well as the planning, tilling, buying seeds, buying specialty feeds, planting, putting out soaker hoses, moving a ton of barley, etc. Then of course, there was pruning the fruit trees, weeding flower gardens, and fixing leaks in the outdoor water system, to name a few more.

The Living Hope Soup Kitchen continued to serve our feeding guests, ranging from the 70’s to about 100. And there as well, Laura covered my responsibilities as well as hers (cooking the soup, coordinating speakers and kitchen volunteers). Additionally, Laura spoke to staff at several (new) prisons for the Women’s Day holiday, and then again for Easter, and she also attended two events at our village school.  

I share all this to catch you up on the basics, but also to help you understand why Laura has not had the time nor energy, to be honest, to sit down and finish composing the newsletter that she has started. She had hoped to get it done when she arrived in Tennessee, but she is staying very busy there with doctor’s appointments, moving furniture, cleaning/sorting for an estate sale, etc.

After I arrived back in Ukraine, things in the war heated up with astronomical amounts of drones and missiles being fired by the Russians at Ukraine. During the night of May 25^th, I was awoken by the sounds of a huge drone flying over our house. I eventually heard some large caliber guns firing at it and then an explosion that I believe was the drone being shot down (the concussion is different). Later that same night, I also heard 3 smaller drones fly overhead. That night was the largest air assault on Ukraine ever, with 367 missiles/drones. We are so thankful to the Lord for keeping everyone safe, here at David’s House as well as all those we know in our area. The next night, May 26^th, was busy as well with 364. But, things continued to escalate and on June 1^st there were 479! Unbelievable.

However, Ukraine struck back that same day with operation Spiderweb that blew up approximately 30% of Russian’s long range bombers (the planes that were involved in those air assaults on Ukraine).  And, then they hit the Kerch Straight bridge (spans from Russia to Crimea) destroying support pillars below the waterline and then targeted a submarine repair port in the North Sea.

Here are some prayer requests we’d like to share with you:

• The War – All the first responders who respond to the different bombings. The military and police Chaplains we know that are serving and sharing the Gospel. Ukrainians whose hearts are being called by God to Him. Those of us sharing God’s love and forgiveness in other ways with Ukrainians. Military leaders, that they would seek God and His Will; and political leaders.
   
• David’s House Rehab Center - Yura’s spiritual growth as a new Christian and the continued healing of his ankle. Healthy animals so they provide a lot of meat for the center and the soup kitchen. Endurance to work in the gardens and God’s blessing on our harvest.
   
• Living Hope Soup Kitchen – Continued wisdom in dealing with the unique characters and situations of our guests. God softening the guest’s hearts towards Him as we share the Gospel. New volunteers as we consider expanding our outreach.
   
• Prison Ministry – That Liberty Vn can continue to expand their reach into the prisons, not only for the inmates but staff as well. Our ability to help with food bags or buying other items (recently 3,000 UAH in plastic slippers) for the inmates.  The witness of volunteers as they minister in different situations (funeral of ‘lifer’ inmate, praying for staff).
   
• Upcoming short term mission trip – Possibly others joining a man who is traveling to us June 29-July 5. Setting up a BBQ to serve the local police through a shift change. Wisdom in developing a schedule of events.
   
• Personally – The family member in California who is in a difficult situation. Laura’s mother (Carol) is in remission and doing well. Laura’s father (Jim) is now in a Memory Care facility, and they are taking great care of him. For us to endure this long separation from each other.

As always, we are indebted to you as you are such a big part of our ministry as you pray, encourage and support us and those we serve. 

Love in Christ, 
Rev Mark Bohanan

heartofukraineministries@gmail.com
Facebook: Heart of Ukraine Ministries 
www.heartofukraine.org

UPDATE: April 19, 2025

HOLIDAY ATTACKS

One aim of Russia is to wipe out every place of worship that is not Russian Orthodox, and it has showed in the past 3 years with numerous attacks on cathedrals, synagogues, and churches.

Particularly egregious, were attacks last week on Palm Sunday, with missiles targeting civilian locations and places of worship (right during peak service times - see video).

Other targets have included a bakery that was making the traditional Easter breads, along with numerous apartment buildings, and even an ambulance.

Intelligence gathered indicates that ATTACKS ARE PLANNED by Russian forces for Saturday night (candlelight services) and Sunday morning. Well, they already started earlier today (Sat).

President Zelenskiy addressed the nation a little earlier stating that shahed drones (5:15 pm) are already "in our skies" and "air raid sirens are now spreading across the territory of Ukraine", but also mentioned that "Ukrainian Air Defense and aviation have already begun to work for (our) protection."

Please keep our church IN YOUR PRAYERS, along with all the other churches in Ukraine as we attend Easter services.

See our Facebook post for more information. 

Laura Bohanan

heartofukraineministries@gmail.com
Facebook: Heart of Ukraine Ministries
www.heartofukraine.org

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 

www.heartofukraine.org

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