“For me, it’s important to be an instrument in God’s hands—carrying His Word and the Gospel to those who need it.” – CITA missionary and singer-songwriter Andriy Vasenda

It’s been more than a decade since the landscapes of Crimea inspired Andriy to write his first song. Today, the songwriter and performer is working on his third music album. In his songs, he often comes back to his favorite theme—hope in Jesus Christ.

When russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Andriy didn’t hesitate to join the ranks of hospital chaplains. Now his songs bring comfort to the severely wounded soldiers and to everyone affected by the war.

In this interview, Christ is The Answer missionary from Ternopil, Andriy Vasenda, shares about his music, chaplaincy, and dreams.

Andriy, tell us about your music. How did it begin, and where are you today?

My music journey began more than 15 years ago. I wrote my first song in Crimea while on vacation. Looking at the incredible beauty of God’s creation, I just couldn’t leave it undescribed. That’s how my first song was born—“The sun, the stars, the sky, the sea—all created by the Lord.”

That’s when I realized I could write songs. I started trying. At first, not regularly, but step by step I kept writing. With every attempt, I grew more confident that the songs would come.

Now I’m already working on my third album. The first song from it is called “We Can Overcome Everything.” Despite the hardships of war, lack of time, and limited resources, I believe and strive to keep going—writing new songs for God’s glory.

How are your songs born? Can you share a story from your personal life that inspired a particular song?

My songs usually come from real situations—my own experiences or the struggles of people close to me. For example, the song “Don’t Stop” came from my wife. She asked me to write something for her friend who was going through a hard time. I picked up my guitar, wrote the first verse and chorus, and we sent her a quick recording. She was deeply touched, and I realized that the song encouraged not only her but me as well. Later I finished the second verse, and eventually that song became one of the most well-known from my album.

Another song is “The Answer Will Come.” I wrote it while we were waiting for the birth of our second child and praying that God would provide us with a car. It seemed like a simple material need, but it became a test of faith for us. Even before receiving an answer, I wrote a song about how God will surely provide. And He really did—we received a car, and that became a living testimony of His blessing.

What is the main message you want to share through your songs?

The main purpose of my songs is to bring a message of hope, encouragement, and help. In each of them, I want to remind people that it’s the Lord Jesus Christ who can change situations, give strength, and bring blessing. That’s how songs like “Don’t Stop,” “The Answer Will Come,” “I Am Beside You,” and others came to be—they inspire, motivate, and help people move forward.

How does music touch people’s hearts in difficult times?

Music and singing have an extraordinary impact on people. Many who come to God testify that it happened because of a song or a word they heard in it. Songs are powerful—they repeat, they’re easy to remember, and they leave a deep mark in the heart.

I sing for people who lost their homes, for refugees, for widows who lost their husbands in the war, for soldiers who lost their health or the ability to live fully. In such circumstances, God is the One who can strengthen and help. And a song becomes the tool that opens hearts and speaks hope to them.

What is the hardest and at the same time most precious part of chaplaincy among severely wounded soldiers?

The hardest part is realizing that these people will never return to the level of life they had before. The physical losses remain forever, and the psychological wounds and memories won’t just go away. It’s hard for them to carry that burden.

But the most precious part of being a chaplain is knowing that the Lord heals and restores. He gives support where people and even doctors are powerless. God is the Healer, and only He can help people move forward—giving them hope and strength to live.

For me, it’s important to be an instrument in God’s hands—bringing His Word and the Gospel to those who need it, reminding them that there is hope in Jesus.

Can you recall a moment when prayer or a spiritual conversation visibly changed someone’s condition in the hospital?

Yes, I have a few such stories. One was with a young soldier, about 23–25 years old. When we came to him, we learned it was his birthday. We brought a cake and sang a blessing song for him and his future family life—“The Star of Love.”

His face lit up, a smile appeared. We prayed for him and reminded him that the Lord loves him and hasn’t forgotten him. That same day, a doctor came up to me and said: “I don’t know what you did, but he’s different. Before, he was depressed and refused to take his medicine. Now his mood has completely changed.” A week later, when we returned, the doctor told us that the young man had started taking his medication properly and was gradually recovering. That little bit of attention and care had an enormous effect.

Another story was about a man named Kostya. He had terrible pain in his leg and couldn’t sleep. I asked what we could do for him. He said, “Can your God give me relief?” I answered, “We can pray about it, if you don’t mind.” He agreed. We prayed, laying a hand on his leg.

The next day he walked outside with us, went a long distance, and even went to work out in the gym. He said: “My leg doesn’t hurt anymore. I can walk.” For me, it was a living example that God hears prayer and answers when people open their hearts.

How does your family respond to what you do, and how do they support you in ministry?

My family fully supports me. My wife often joins me at the hospital, leading art therapy sessions with patients—painting pictures and patches together, helping the guys take their minds off things for a while. My middle son plays violin, and he even has an outfit similar to a young chaplain’s uniform so he can help with ministry. He plays for the patients and encourages his older brother as well. He also comes fishing with me, helping the guys put worms on the hook so they can enjoy fishing too.

What Bible verses especially encourage you in ministry?

I’m very encouraged by the words about hope, especially: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5) This became my main life principle. I also love the verse: “…forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.” (Philippians 3:13) As the apostle writes, we shouldn’t stay stuck on past mistakes and failures—we need to always look ahead, because the One who called us is leading us.

If you could leave one message for Ukrainians today, what would it be?

I would say that true hope is hope in Jesus Christ. He is 100% reliable and can be a great support for many in times of trial. Today, people often lack lasting hope, but Jesus Christ is the God who works in every area of life. He gives hope in war, in difficult circumstances, and in everyday struggles. He is the One who strengthens and gives the power to keep moving forward.

What do you dream of as a songwriter, chaplain, and minister that you haven’t yet fulfilled?

I dream of finishing my third album, which is planned to have nine songs. Right now only one is complete, and I still need to write and record the other eight. I understand that this requires finances—about one thousand dollars per song. Without financial support, this project can’t be realized. That’s my dream in the music field.

As for chaplaincy, I dream that this ministry would grow and that many teams would form in Ternopil. I want to create a Christian rehabilitation center where the guys could receive professional care—physical, mental, and spiritual. It would have pools, fishing, massages, and other opportunities for recovery, as well as Christians who would walk with them in the process. The goal is for them to become healthy again, receive support, and experience care in every part of life.

CITA Ministries Press Center.