Territorial leaders ‘blessed and encouraged’ by visit to Ukraine
- simoneworthing
- 8 hours ago
- 4 min read
Colonels Joao Paolo and Karin Ramos, Eastern Europe Territory* Leaders, recently visited the war-torn Ukraine Division. Major Andrei Iniutocichin, Assistant Chief Secretary and Territorial Training Principal, accompanied the leaders.
“The visit to Ukraine was an encouragement trip,” said Colonel Joao Paolo. “Having Andrei with us was a great blessing, as he not only translated but also helped us better understand the local situations. We give thanks to God for this partnership.
“Our officers and soldiers – our heroes – are tired and worn out. Many are running on empty, and salaries remain low despite efforts to raise them. Yet, in spite of the exhaustion and the ongoing challenges of ministering near the frontlines, they remain steadfast in their calling to serve their people and communities.
“We went to bless and encourage them, but in truth, we returned more blessed and encouraged ourselves.”
Colonel Joao Paolo spoke to Salvos Online about the recent visit to the Ukraine Division, which has been serving its soldiers, communities, internally-displaced people and those in need under extreme circumstances since Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country on 24 February 2022.
What was the purpose of your visit to Ukraine?
The purpose was simply to be with our people – listening to them, encouraging them, and showing in person that we care for, love, and admire them in their faithful and resilient service to the King.
“We went to bless and encourage them, but in truth, we returned more blessed and encouraged ourselves.”
Where did you go and what were you able to do there?
Our first stop was Vinnytsia, where we met with officers on Friday. During the first session of the officers’ meeting, each officer gave a presentation on their ministry and context. This was a valuable time to hear their hearts and affirm their calling.
After sharing reports, we led two teaching sessions on the new territorial strategic framework – Kingdom Focused Army – rooted in Matthew 6:33. The emphasis was on Scripture and the importance of seeking God’s Kingdom, rather than business language about strategy, encouraging people to reflect on what this means in their own communities.
On Saturday, we travelled to Kyiv, stopping along the way to visit a property and discuss how best to use it to meet divisional needs. In Kyiv, we visited Mayak Corps, where the land is not owned by The Salvation Army, which limits development. Securing ownership would cost US $140,000, but this is challenging given the current decline in international funding.
We also viewed newly repaired apartments – commendable work done with very limited funds – and discussed the inadequacy of the current divisional headquarters (DHQ) building.
Sunday was a highlight: the Mayak Corps hall was full, and it was a joy to preach from 1 Peter 2 about how we are all ‘living stones’. We also met with DHQ staff to hear their concerns, particularly regarding office space, and assured them that their wellbeing is a priority.
How did Salvationists and friends respond to your visit?
Our time in Ukraine was intense, emotional and filled with joy. Officers and soldiers were visibly uplifted, grateful simply to know they are not forgotten.
Do you have plans for future visits?
Yes. We hope to return in 2026 to visit other parts of Ukraine. Visits will need to be carefully planned and kept as cost-effective as possible, but we do not want financial constraints to hinder the mission.
How can people pray for and support Ukraine from afar?
Pray for peace in Ukraine.
Pray for officers, their families, and their holistic wellbeing.
Pray for provision, as funding continues to decline.
Pray that Ukraine – and the whole Eastern Europe Territory – remains focused on God’s Kingdom, bringing hope and love to local communities.
Pray that all officers may attend the Territorial Retreat event taking place in Iaşi (Romania) in October 2025.
Many officers are living in difficult circumstances, sometimes in inadequate housing or insecure rental arrangements. Rising costs and the need to reduce divisional operational grants by 5 per cent have made life harder. The Mission Support we receive from IHQ has remained unchanged since 2015, making it increasingly challenging to sustain ministry in 2025.
Even so, we trust the One who has called, equipped, and appointed us. No one promised this work would be easy – but it is a privilege to serve where God wants us to be.
*The Eastern Europe Territory is comprised of five countries – Bulgaria, Georgia, Moldova, Romania and Ukraine.
