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Nazar’s story is one of transformation, faith, and the unexpected ways God works through people, community, and even football.
Christian football in Ukraine is probably one of the first projects that truly evangelizes through sport. And what is happening through this ministry is incredible.
- Nazar Bolhomaz’s transformation through Christian football
- How football and community changed Nazar’s life
- How Nazar met Olga after a football match in Odessa
- How faith transformed Nazar and Olga’s family
- Why sports ministry matters for young people in Ukraine
- How to support Christian football ministry in Ukraine
Nazar Bolhomaz’s transformation through Christian football
Nazar Bolhomaz’s story did not begin with an easy path or an obvious transformation.
When Nazar joined the team, after just two weeks, there was already a desire to kick him out. He was undisciplined, rude, using foul language almost every second word, and showing no respect.
But in that moment, God said, “No. You will see a miracle.”
At that time, it was hard to understand what He meant.
How football and community changed Nazar’s life
God began changing Nazar’s life through football, relationships, and a ministry rooted in the Gospel.
What once looked like frustration, discipline issues, and disrespect became the beginning of a complete transformation. Through the team, Nazar encountered people who continued to invest in him, support him, and believe God could do something more in his life.
That is one of the most powerful parts of evangelism through sport. You invest in people, and God uses those relationships to carry light into other teams, other cities, and other lives.
How Nazar met Olga after a football match in Odessa
Nazar met Olga through an unexpected moment on a train after an away match in Odessa.
One day, the team was returning from an away match when two girls entered their train compartment by accident. They had the wrong seats, and an argument started.
The rehab specialist, Fedorovych, stepped in, calmed the situation, and began sharing the Gospel with them.
One of those girls was Olga.
How faith transformed Nazar and Olga’s family
Today, Olga is Nazar’s wife, and together they are living a completely different life.
They started dating, went through Alpha Course together, repented in the church “Christ’s Family,” and accepted Jesus Christ.
It was a complete, radical transformation of their lives.
Today they are a family. Today they have a daughter. Today they are a couple the ministry is truly proud of and holds up as an example.
There is deep respect and love for them, and the ministry continues to support them so they can fulfill God’s plan for their lives.
Why sports ministry matters for young people in Ukraine
Evangelism through sport is one of the most powerful ministries because it reaches people through relationship, consistency, and community.
Nazar has been playing in another club for a year now, but he continues to share the Gospel there with his teammates and in his new environment.
The team stays in touch, helped Nazar and Olga find a church, and continues to see how God is working through their lives.
Today, youth is the key to the future of Ukraine. And if we reach the youth, we change the country.
Already, through the club, this ministry is impacting around 3,000 people, including:
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Fans in the stadium
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The live community around the team
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Players and their close circles
This community is truly being transformed.
How to support Christian football ministry in Ukraine
Today, the club needs financial support to continue this ministry because it is changing lives.
This is not just football. This is changing a generation.
If God puts it on your heart to become part of this, to support, and to invest, it would be deeply appreciated.
Thank you to each person who continues to support this work. This is your fruit too.
And we believe this is only the beginning. There are many more years, many more stories, and many more transformed lives ahead.
Family of Christ International is a faith based nonprofit delivering help, hope, and healing to people and places in crisis, with a primary focus on Ukraine.
Founded in Uzhhorod, Ukraine in 2012, their teams provide humanitarian aid and practical support to vulnerable communities, including displaced families, orphaned children, wounded soldiers, and people in nursing homes.
Their mission connects the global church to real needs on the ground, combining compassionate relief with spiritual encouragement in the name of Jesus Christ.
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