Support Pastor Michael Kuzin and his family in Ukraine

In the city of Cherkasy, Ukraine—just around 100 miles from the front lines of war—Pastor Mykhailo Kuzin and his wife, Lena, have opened their home and hearts to nine orphaned children, in addition to raising their own.

Pastor Mykhailo serves as the senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Cherkasy in central Ukraine. Over the years, his family has welcomed and cared for 20 orphaned children, many of whom are pictured above.

Despite the challenges that come with raising a large and diverse family, Pastor Mykhailo and Lena have built a loving and supportive home centered on faith, compassion, love, and acceptance.

“I believe there is no clearer way to demonstrate God’s grace, His loving heart, and His attitude toward every person than through the relationships built within a family with children who were ‘born by heart.’ Every time I see dishonesty, resentment, or selfishness in my children, I remind myself that I look exactly the same in the eyes of my Heavenly Father.”
— Pastor Mykhailo Kuzin

Shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Pastor Mykhailo lost his well-paying job. As a self-supporting pastor, he was given a difficult choice: relocate to the United States where the company’s headquarters were located, or lose his employment.

He chose to remain in Ukraine and continue shepherding his church during one of the darkest periods in the nation’s history.

Elected senior pastor in 2020, Pastor Mykhailo has faithfully led the church through war, displacement, uncertainty, and hardship. While many members of the congregation were forced to flee Ukraine after the invasion, First Baptist Church of Cherkasy continues to serve as a place of refuge, comfort, and Gospel witness to displaced families and those in need.
“Our church team is very diverse. Some are 29 years old, while others are over 65. But we have agreed to love one another with brotherly affection and outdo one another in showing honor.”
— Pastor Mykhailo Kuzin

Today, the church continues to provide humanitarian aid, spiritual care, and practical support to people whose lives have been devastated by war.
“I am deeply grateful to every person who, even without knowing me personally, chooses to support our family and ministry through prayer and generosity.”
— Pastor Mykhailo Kuzin