CGN Voices

Welcome to CGN Voices from Ukraine, a podcast dedicated to sharing powerful stories of resilience, faith, and service in the face of great difficulty. In this episode, we speak with members of our church network who have been in Ukraine since the full-scale invasion by Russia in February 2022.

Before the war, there were 20 Calvary Chapel churches in Ukraine. The goal of this podcast is to provide firsthand accounts from church members who have faced unimaginable challenges. We will explore how their faith has sustained them and how God is at work, with the gospel moving forward even in the midst of adversity. We will also discuss how you can support and pray for them as part of the body of Christ.

In this special episode, Nick Katie welcomes Oleksiy, who has been in Ukraine for over 20 years as a missionary and played a significant role in church planting in the city of Hark. They discuss the political situation, the shift in language preference from Russian to Ukrainian, and the dangers associated with being associated with Russia.

Oleksiy shares his personal journey, including the impact of a bestselling novel he wrote about the historical invasion of Ukraine, which turned out to be prophetic when the war began. He describes his family's experience during the war, the decision to relocate to Western Ukraine, and the challenges faced by refugees and those living in the war-torn regions.

Despite the difficulties, Oleksiy highlights the active role of the church in providing humanitarian aid, setting up refugee centers, and ministering to those affected by the war. He shares stories of resilience and hope, particularly the youth who continue to attend church services and reach out to their communities with love and support.

This episode emphasizes the transformative power of the church during times of crisis and invites listeners to see the church as an active force in the community, offering practical help and sharing the message of the gospel. Join us as we delve into the inspiring stories of faith and service in Ukraine.

Welcome to CGN Voices from Ukraine, where we bring you powerful stories of resilience, faith, and service in the face of immense challenges. In this episode, we delve into the front lines of humanitarian aid and the incredible impact it has in Ukraine. Our special guest Fillip share firsthand accounts of their experiences serving with Calvary Chapel in Ukraine since the full-scale invasion by Russia in 2022.

With 20 Calvary Chapel churches in Ukraine prior to the war, our mission is to provide you with genuine narratives from church members who have endured unimaginable difficulties. We explore how their unwavering faith has sustained them and how God's work and the gospel continue to advance amidst adversity. As part of the body of Christ, we also discuss ways you can support and uplift these brave individuals through prayer and tangible assistance.

During this interview, Fillip sheds light on their ministry's critical efforts. From evacuating people from the front lines and finding them safe havens, to providing aid to soldiers and delivering essential supplies to war-torn areas, their work encompasses various aspects of humanitarian assistance. They recount heartfelt stories of children who find joy in receiving basic necessities, soldiers seeking solace and finding openness to the Gospel, and the profound impact of being a vessel of God's love in times of despair.

As you listen to Fillip's experiences and hear his dedication to serving others, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the profound connection between his Christian faith and his unwavering commitment to helping those in need. Join us in praying for Fillip and his ministry, asking that God covers their needs and provides additional support through willing hearts and generous contributions.

If you feel compelled to contribute financially, you can do so through CGN and Calvary Chapel at calvaryglobalnetwork.com/give, selecting the relief fund from the dropdown menu. We encourage you to keep Fillip and all those involved in this vital work in your prayers, as they exemplify Christ's love and selfless service on the front lines of humanitarian aid in Ukraine.

Welcome to CGN Voices. We are in a mini series called CGN Voices from Ukraine, a series dedicated to sharing powerful stories of resilience, faith, and service in the face of great difficulty. In this episode, we have the privilege of hearing a remarkable story shared by Lena Morrison from Calvary Chapel in Svitlovodsk, Ukraine.

Lena shares her story of choosing to stay in Ukraine after the beginning of the full-scale invasion, in order to house and feed refugees fleeing from the war zones in eastern Ukraine. Additionally, she recounts the inspiring story of someone they helped, who initially had deep skepticism about church, but who came to faith through the support, love, and acceptance she received, and now serves in the church in helping others.

“If I would have known that church is like this, I would have come sooner!”

As Lena shares this uplifting story, she also highlights the continued challenges faced by their church and community amidst the ongoing conflict. Discover how you can support and pray for them as they persevere and extend God's love to those affected by the war.

Join us in this episode of CGN Voices from Ukraine, as we celebrate the transformative power of faith and witness firsthand the resilience and dedication of believers compelled to serve others as Jesus served them.

There is so much pressure on preachers to come up with an Easter sermon every year that is both fresh and also impactful / evangelistic. Combine that with the busyness of Easter and it can create quite a challenging season for leaders.

With that in mind, Aaron Salvato talks with Mike Neglia and Nick Cady, two pastors in our church family, and some of the leaders of The Expositors Collective, on tips and experiences they have learned and grown in prepping for Easter Sermons.

“The Exhale” will be centered around rest, renewal and reset. In many, if not most cases, this has been the toughest year any of us have lived through, uniquely perhaps for ministry leaders with their churches, ministries and roles essentially shut down. Let's have a time of ministering and care before the Lord together, renewing our hearts and minds.

Aaron Salvato sits down with Calvary Vista youth pastor Aaron Sabio to discuss 7 Ways Covid-19 Has Impacted Youth Ministry:

1. It's become challenging for youth pastors to connect with youth online.
2. The stress of added church responsibilities on top of regular youth responsiblities.
3. Fighting the "Why Bother" mentality when you feel like you're competing with other churches that have such a bigger and better online platform.
4. The challenge of preaching to a camera and feeling like it's not as impactful as in-person sermons.
5. The worry of job security when many churches are now having to make cuts.
6. The inability to plan ahead for big events like summer camps.
7. Re-learning how to rest in a season where we feel like we have to constantly be "doing". 

Aaron Campbell shares with us about the importance of actually stopping and acknowledging how you feel weak in this moment. We need to bring our weakness to God, because in our weakness he is strong!

In this moment we need to take time to find refreshment in Jesus more than ever before.

Currently many of us are working from home in close quarters with family. Scott Turansky takes a moment to give us some guidance on how to deal with bad attitudes when they arise.

An encouragement from Nate to pastors trying to lead in this moment.

Justin Thomas talks about Quarantine Communities.

Equipping Your Church Body to Care For Others - Covid-19 Strategies with Cody King

Starting A Food Pantry - Covid-19 Strategies with Nick Cady

Reframing Social Distancing - Covid-19 Strategies with James Travis

Doing Community Digitally - Covid-19 Strategies with Mike Neglia