April 2026 Update

Bishops Zürcher, Phillipp, and Refsdal Visit Ukraine

In late March 2026, United Methodist bishops Stefan Zürcher, Werner Philipp, and Knut Refsdal traveled to western Ukraine to visit congregations and humanitarian projects in Uzhhorod and Lviv. The visit focused on standing in solidarity with those displaced by the ongoing war and witnessing the local church's efforts to provide housing, youth centers, and emotional support. While in the region, the bishops visited the "Lighthouse" youth center and a church-run shelter for internally displaced persons, noting how these ministries provide essential stability amid rising costs and overcrowding. The Linked article by Michael Loffler and Sigmar Friedrich shared on UMNEWS provides an account of their journey, including their time at the military cemetery in Lviv and their reflections on the continued resilience of the United Methodist community in Ukraine.

Link: United Methodist bishops encounter hope in Ukraine

The Lighthouse Continues to Beam!

One of the newest ministries of the UMC in Ukraine is Lighthouse, which was planted in the fall of 2025 and has now achieved NGO status as Lighthouse of the Generation. Based in the Zakarpattia region of Ukraine and operating as a secular, non-profit entity, it was established to provide systematic support for those affected by the ongoing war—with a particular focus on youth, internally displaced persons (IDPs), veterans and their families, and other vulnerable groups.

Mission and Core Values

The central aim of Lighthouse is to empower a generation to find life support and, in turn, provide support for others. The organization’s vision centers on fostering internal resilience and social responsibility among those it serves.

Current Activities and Implementation

Perhaps the most visible initiative is the youth space that Lighthouse rents in the center of Uzhhorod. This space serves as a hub for both local and displaced young people, offering a safe environment for social gatherings, creative workshops, and games. These activities are designed to facilitate the integration of displaced youth into the local community. Their Instagram page is quite active with daily announcements and images of their activities; you can follow it here.

Beyond youth outreach, the Lighthouse team manages two shelters through partnership initiatives. These shelters currently provide housing for approximately 80 IDPs forced to leave their homes due to the conflict. The team also provides humanitarian aid and social adaptation services for veterans, widows, and families directly impacted by the war.

A Growing Partnership

While Lighthouse is now an independent NGO, it maintains a close partnership with the United Methodist Church to coordinate aid and community services. The team consists of active community members who transitioned from individual humanitarian efforts to this formal structure to better manage resources and expand their reach.

The rented space in downtown Uzhhorod also hosts United Methodist worship on Sundays. Those who gather include team members, residents from the local shelters, and those who have connected with the ministry through the NGO’s various initiatives.

Looking Ahead

Moving forward, Lighthouse of the Generation plans to expand its programming to include:

• Leadership and Education: Structured programs for youth.
• Volunteering: Formalized initiatives to engage the community.
• Social & Psychological Support: Programs tailored for IDPs and veterans transitioning to civilian life.
• Community Development: Long-term projects aimed at creating a lasting impact in Western Ukraine.

Watch the Lighthouse team in action:

• Lighthouse Youth Space: Click Here

• Youth Assembling Aid Kits: Click Here

Information and video clips provided by Rev. Oleg Starodubets

Update from Under the Castle Ministry (Ukraine UMC)

The Spiritual Social Center of Ukraine UMC “Under the Castle” continues its ministry in the Uzhhorod region of Transcarpathia, Ukraine. In this difficult season, our center remains a place of refuge and hope for internally displaced people from war-affected regions such as Kherson, Mariupol, Kharkiv, and Mykolaiv.

We are grateful to be able to provide shelter and two hot meals each day, offering not only physical support but also a sense of stability and care. Our social restaurant is an important part of this mission — serving the local community while helping to feed displaced families. It also provides employment for IDPs, giving people the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity.

Over the past months, we have taken part in several meaningful charitable initiatives. In May, together with the local governmental social center, we organized a special Easter lunch for elderly people aged 70+ from the community. With the help of our restaurant, guests were served a warm and festive meal. The event also included a cultural program, and the NGO “Lighthouse of Generation” helped by serving and preparing small gifts for everyone. It was a joyful and touching gathering — a time when people felt seen, cared for, and able to reconnect with old friends.

On April 25, we joined a charity marathon dedicated to raising funds for the treatment of seriously ill children. Our team supported the event by preparing and serving pizza for participants, contributing in a simple but heartfelt way to this important cause.

At the same time, we continue to focus on supporting war veterans and their families. We have already held several events for them, and on May 15 we will celebrate Family Day together. This will be a special time to honor veterans, offer psychological support, and encourage families to better understand the challenges of trauma and the path toward healing.

Looking ahead, we are working toward an important goal — the development of a rehabilitation center for those affected by war trauma. At present, we are preparing the architectural design of this project, which we hope to complete by mid-summer. We warmly invite you to stand with us — to support this ministry and to keep us in your prayers.

Article submitted by Rev. Yulia Starodubets.

Ukrainian United Methodists Gather in Bispingen, Germany!

Those of you who have been following the news of the Ukraine UMC know we have small pockets of Ukrainian United Methodists in Europe, including the Northern part of the Netherlends and Bispingen Germany. So last month Ukrainians United Methodists from Ukraine who are permitted to travel joined those residing in Europe in Bispingen for a retreat of mutural encouragement. Below is a video of those who participated.

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IMT Ukraine Partnership Coordinator

Rev. Fred Vanderwerf

fredericksevanderwerf@gmail.com