From Orphan to Leader, A Testimony from Ukraine
Please enjoy Alex’s story of transformation from orphan to ministry leader in Ukraine, shared in his own words below—
I was born into a broken home.
My biological parents were alcoholics, and our tiny wooden hut in a village near Kharkiv was filled with hunger, fear, and neglect.
At five years old, I learned to dig through garbage bins for food. One winter night, after being beaten and left outside to die, a police officer found me and brought me to the Baby House.
That’s where I found safety—and my little brother, Bogdan. A Christian caregiver prayed with us every night that God would send loving parents. But no one ever chose me.
At age seven, I was transferred to the Loubetin orphanage. Life there was harder—more abuse, more darkness.
But God hadn’t forgotten me.
Top: Alex is now a camp director in Ukraine and mentors orphaned and vulnerable children like him.
Lifesong had a Christian program at the orphanage, and I joined the Orphan Choir.
That’s how I met my future mom, Tanya. Lifesong’s weekend hosting program let me spend time with her and Denis, and I’ll never forget that first weekend—a clean house, warm food, safety. I was ready to mop floors if it meant I could stay.
God answered my prayer. Tanya and Denis adopted me—and when I told them about Bogdan, they adopted him too.
“Being adopted into a family changed my life. Being adopted by God changed my eternity.”
Our family kept growing. We welcomed others in, and Lifesong gave me a chance to serve. At 20, I became Camp Director in Eastern Ukraine. I mentor kids just like me, and I love watching them discover God’s love.
On February 24, 2022, war came to our country.
We heard raids, sirens, and military jets flying over our home, dropping missiles all over our city. It was scary, and we were afraid.
I had to act. Evacuation through the chaos and horror of war—packing, driving, and helping other families and kids we serve—traveling through the nights, praying hard, and living every day like it was the last day of our life.
This is the reality for me and my family for three years now. My family and I have decided that we are not leaving Ukraine but staying to serve those in need.
Today, I work with Lifesong full-time, still mentoring, still holding onto hope. Because you gave, my life changed forever. God gets all the glory.
Pray for Ukraine
- Praise God that Alex and Bogdan were adopted into a loving, Christian family.
- Pray that our team in Ukraine would continue to bring many children to know and love Jesus.
- Pray that orphans and vulnerable families would heal from the trauma of war.
- Praise God that He never forgets the orphaned and vulnerable.
- Pray for an end to the war in Ukraine and for peace across the land.
Join our prayer team to receive monthly prayer requests & praises from across our ministry.
Will you help orphaned and vulnerable children in Ukraine experience the hope of the Gospel?
When you give to Lifesong, you show orphaned and vulnerable children they are seen, known, and loved through Gospel-centered holistic care. Thanks to TMG Foundation, 100% of your gift goes directly to helping orphaned and vulnerable children.