From Loss to Purpose: Nikita and Katya’s Journey of Faith and Service

At Family of Christ International, we have the privilege of witnessing remarkable stories of resilience, faith, and compassion. The journey of Nikita and his wife Katya is a testament to God’s grace and the transformative power of service—even amid profound loss and upheaval.

2014: Life Changes Forever

Before war became their reality, Nikita and Katya enjoyed peaceful, ordinary lives in Donetsk. Nikita pursued his studies, worked to support himself, and actively served in youth ministry. But in 2014, everything they knew was suddenly shattered.

Armed conflict overtook their city. Daily life became filled with fear—gunfire, explosions, and military presence became the norm. At only 20 years old, Nikita was forced to make the devastating decision to leave his parents behind and escape with just a backpack, unaware that he would never again return home.

Katya’s family faced the same painful decision. She relocated to Melitopol, temporarily losing touch with Nikita. Both faced the stark reality of rebuilding life from scratch, away from their beloved city.

Rebuilding in Kyiv

Arriving in Kyiv with no resources or support, Nikita found strength through faith. He connected with a local church, Word of Life, where he began serving as a sound engineer. God provided him a new community, a place of belonging, and a path forward.

In 2017, God reconnected Nikita and Katya in Kyiv. They married in 2018, confident that stability had finally returned to their lives. But the peace they had carefully rebuilt was not to last.

2022: Facing War Once Again

When war erupted across Ukraine in February 2022, Nikita and Katya’s lives were disrupted once more. Waking early to frantic phone calls and chaos, the couple faced another painful decision: whether to flee or stay put. After earnest prayer, they felt guided by God’s peace to remain temporarily in Kyiv.

Protected by their faith, they stayed safely in their home despite constant threat. But after two weeks, they felt led to leave, beginning an arduous 32-hour journey to Uzhhorod, navigating checkpoints, limited fuel, and uncertainty.

Finding Purpose through Serving Others

In Uzhhorod, their journey led them to Family of Christ, where Pastor Vadim welcomed them warmly, offering shelter and inviting them into volunteer work. Nikita and Katya quickly discovered a calling in helping others navigate the trauma of war.

In 2023, Nikita became a leader of evacuation and humanitarian missions, bravely traveling to frontline areas such as Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, and Kyiv regions. The team faced immense risks, conducting dangerous evacuations from cities like Bakhmut and Kupiansk. Yet, through every mission, God’s protective hand was evident—keeping the entire team safe from harm.

Faith, Hope, and Gratitude

For Nikita and Katya, serving through Family of Christ has been a lifeline, offering hope and healing as they minister to others. Their volunteer service has helped them cope with their own experiences of loss, find deep purpose, and build lasting friendships rooted in shared faith.

The couple credits God’s grace and the generosity of Family of Christ’s community and partners for their ability to remain strong during their hardest times. They express profound gratitude to Rudolf Balazhynets and his family, whose unwavering support and kindness have shown them the true meaning of Christian service.

Together—Until Victory

Nikita and Katya’s story reminds us all that God can transform hardship into purpose. At Family of Christ International, we stand with them, committed to continue bringing hope, support, and God’s love to those affected by conflict.

We thank you, our supporters, for making these stories possible. Together, through faith and action, we move forward until victory comes.

"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." — Galatians 6:2

About Family of Christ International

From focusing attention on ongoing humanitarian needs, to coordinating volunteers and planning mission trips, to raising financial support, the purpose of Family of Christ International is to deliver help, hope and healing in the name of Jesus Christ to people and places in crisis. Whether you contribute online, donate stock or mail a check, every gift makes an impact. Learn more about ways to get involved and donate to support.