What Did Gospel Ministers Discuss at the Carpathian Conference?

During the days of the fall missionary conference in Zakarpattia, preachers of the Gospel encouraged and strengthened one another spiritually. They shared their ministry experiences, encouraged perseverance in spreading the Good News despite challenges, and urged one another to remain steadfast in their God-given calling. With patience and the right attitude, they discussed overcoming trials and keeping their focus on eternity. Together, they prayed for Ukraine and for each other’s healing.

Each day of the conference began with a shared morning prayer. Ministers gathered in the hall, seeking God’s presence and asking for His blessing.

Prayer as a Tradition in CITA Ministry: Read more about it on our Telegram channel posted on November 21.

After breakfast, the meetings commenced. The speakers included ministers experienced in spreading the Gospel within Ukraine—including frontline areas—and abroad.

Anatoliy Bezkrovnyi, a bishop of the Pentecostal Union of Churches in Donbas, reflected on the Book of Acts, reminding attendees that the Church has experienced various seasons throughout its history.

“When God instructed the Church to preach the Gospel, yet it remained stationary, persecution came. But it was under those conditions that the Church multiplied,” he explained. Addressing ministers enduring difficult times, he offered words of encouragement:

“Do not lose heart when you face uncertainty. In a minister’s life, there are times when the direction is clear, but it feels like you move through a dense fog—walking by faith. Only later does God disperse the fog, revealing clarity, and then you’ll be grateful for following His voice.

Stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit to hear His still, gentle voice and feel His prompting on where to go next.”

Bishop Bezkrovnyi emphasized the importance of preaching the Gospel with the right motive:
“We must proclaim the living Word of God, which builds up, convicts, and leads to repentance and the knowledge of Jesus Christ. My desire is that we become a united team of Gospel preachers who know God and are willing to pay the price so that the Lord’s name is glorified and churches multiply. That is the right motive.”

He also touched on the Church’s internal tasks: fostering personal relationships with God through prayer, worship, studying the Word, serving, and spiritual growth—transforming into Christ’s image, essence, and character. He noted that the external mission of the Church—preaching the Gospel—must be as vital as addressing internal goals.

“Take responsibility for the salvation of those outside the Church. When we do, God’s name will be glorified.”

On the second day of the conference, Bishop Bezkrovnyi focused on persistence, a quality especially crucial for spreading the Gospel and enduring life’s trials:
“Set aside personal agendas and persist in what God places in your heart—fulfilling His mission. To navigate challenging seasons, you must be persistent in following God. No matter how humiliated you feel today, I want to tell you: God is for you! These pains are necessary to take you to a new level of faith.

When we remain faithful to God in difficult circumstances, the devil is defeated. God allows challenges in our lives to demonstrate the faithfulness of His children. And when we overcome them, the devil is put to shame, and Jesus Christ is glorified.”

Oleh Abaturov, a pastor of a Jewish congregation in Rivne and a chaplain, reminded ministers of the importance of pausing to reflect on their lives, ensuring nothing hinders them from sharing the Good News:

“Why don’t people engage in missions? Excess baggage holds them back. Shake off this ‘chaff’ from your life—it’s keeping you from moving forward!

God wants to use you as His vessels, but you must ask Him to bring order to your heart.”

Pastor Abaturov highlighted how the biblical fall feasts symbolize a pause for life’s reflection.

Viktor Klets, a bishop of the Pentecostal Union of Churches in Sumy, encouraged his peers to preach the Gospel while relying on God to bring results:

“It doesn’t depend on the sower but on God, who brings the growth. I urge you all to keep working, never lose heart, and never give up. Pray often, humble yourselves before God. Ministers who spread the Gospel learn to rely on Him, knowing that the fruit of their labor depends on God.

When the Lord says, ‘Go and preach the Gospel,’ He expects us to do it consistently. The Lord gives the strength to continue preaching. He chose you to proclaim the Gospel because Christ is the answer to all humanity’s questions. May God’s name be glorified in our lives.”

Bishop Oleksiy Demydovych addressed the question: “Why do we preach the Gospel?”
“Everything we do is aimed at reaching the Kingdom of God and receiving a reward from the Lord.

We are called by the Lord to save souls. Let me tell you this: you are engaged in the greatest work on earth. We preach, we pay the price to save ourselves and help others find salvation.”

He also explored the topic “How to overcome the pull of earth and ascend toward heaven”, offering ministers practical guidance:

1. Systematic preaching and teaching in churches about the expectation of the Lord’s return:
   “Focus on the fact that God’s ultimate purpose is far greater—He has chosen us for eternity, to be the Bride of Christ. This message must be heard.”
2. Experiencing heaven through the infilling of the Holy Spirit:
   “If we want people to long for heaven, we must create an environment in our churches where they experience the Holy Spirit. Christianity is not just rules; it’s the incredible experience of knowing Jesus Christ.”
3. Viewing trials as a means to draw closer to heaven:
   “When we understand this, our attitude toward suffering changes—it becomes a tool of God’s mercy.”

Ruslan Kukharchuk, leader of the “All Together!” public movement and media professional, explained two key legal documents foundational for missionary and civic activity.

“There’s no need for ministers to apologize to secular authorities for their Christian faith. According to these legislative acts, Ukraine is officially recognized as a Christian nation.” Among them is Presidential Decree №423/2021, On Ukrainian Statehood Day:

“Ukraine is profoundly Christian. This isn’t just wishful thinking; there are solid grounds for this claim. Christian values, as a result of turning to God, are rational for society.

Christian ethics isn’t about religious propaganda, as some might think. It’s about common sense.

Christians hold values rooted in over 2,000 years of history, while worldly politics swings between extremes.

We must see ourselves as bearers of ideas that, in 30-40 years, will be regarded as the norm.”

When Pastor Serhiy Liubchenko from Kharkiv is asked about his plans for the future, he replies, “Our goal is to make it through the day and sleep through the night.” Near his home, russian bombs have fallen repeatedly.

Pastor Serhiy shared his insight from God regarding the russia-Ukraine war. Having lost his ministry in Luhansk during russia’s first invasion, he sought God’s perspective and was directed to Luke 19:41-44:

“For 30 years of independence, God invested in our country through missionaries, ordinary people who knew Him, finances, and politicians… He wanted Ukraine to be a spiritual and breadbasket for the world. But we failed to recognize the time of His visitation.

God promises end-time harvests for Ukraine and will entrust them to those who remain faithful to their calling, people, and church.”

Taras Sen, director of CITA Ministry, shared testimonies of missionary school students in Ethiopia, who are planting churches and reaching diverse groups. He presented the tools and initiatives of the ministry and shared insights on how God shapes His servants:

“God works patiently, turning ordinary people into His instruments of influence through trials. The larger the ministry, the more spiritual strength is needed. God trains His servants to carry responsibility and work more effectively. When we seek His face, He works through us.

All believers are called to serve. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are God’s thoughts about our lives. He wants us to dream bigger, pray for greater things, and strive for more. And He will accomplish much in our lives!”

At the end of the conference, all participants prayed for Ukraine and healing.

CITA Ministry Press Center.