Encountering Hope is brought to you by SGA (Slavic Gospel Association). On each episode, you'll hear inspiring stories of pastors and churches serving in very difficult circumstances in Russia, the former Soviet countries of Eastern Europe, and Central Asia. And you'll be blessed by how God is transforming lives and adding to His Kingdom. We pray these stories of the Lord's life-changing power will enrich your life and that you will be encouraged each time you encounter hope.
Founded by Belarusian immigrant to the United States in 1934, SGA is headquartered near Chicago, Illinois.We help reach "forgotten" orphans, widows and families in 10 countries across the former Soviet Union and Russian-speaking immigrants in Israel through an extensive grassroots network of local evangelical missionary pastors and churches. These faithful servants care for physical needs and proclaim the life-transforming Gospel of Jesus Christ.SGA also strengthens indigenous evangelical churches through training for pastors, evangelists, and children's workers.
Through Encountering Hope, you will learn how SGA is sharing the Gospel, equipping the church, and helping the forgotten. For more information, please visit SGA.org
Pastor Viktor and his church in Siberia give time and resources to minister to those with nothing. Single mothers and widows are those most often in need. Viktor shared of one widow who was overwhelm…
Mykhailo is a deacon at a church in Ukraine. His congregation has seen much destruction in the war. But with aid shipped by SGA from Poland, these believers provide for those in need and help hopeles…
In Central Asia, Pastor Volodya saw the physical and financial needs of little Oysha and her grandmother. He helped with both, but he didn’t rest there. Volodya, along with his church family, ministe…
Pastor Pavel frequently endures difficulties to serve Christ in Belarus, where he ministers to many with disabilities. This is often a forgotten and disregarded population of every country. But God h…
Rather than dwelling on the hardship and trials of ongoing war in Ukraine, Pastor Oleg is focused on the mission to make Christ known. He sees God building His church, and everything else fades from …
For Pastor Nikolai, the difficult news of terminal cancer was taken with peace. As he processed this diagnosis, he made sure all is in order for his church and family. Then, Nikolai started “packing …
Many refugees from eastern Ukraine are in Pastor Viktor’s region of Russia. Their grief is overwhelming. But Viktor and his church are serving Christ by ministering to their needs through the goodnes…
Often in our trials, we see Jesus as the steady anchor for our souls. That’s been Pastor Vladimir’s experience in Ukraine, where he’s seen people seeking answers from God and praising Him when all el…
A city in eastern Ukraine has been under constant bombardment during the war. But through Pastor Alexander’s faithful service, many are hearing of the hope they have in Jesus—a hope that transcends t…
What would you do if missiles began flying and bombs started exploding? Would you keep your eyes on Christ? Many of us wouldn’t know what we’d do. But in the midst of war in Ukraine, there were youth…
In western Russia, tuberculosis patients and physically challenged children are beloved objects of Pastor Dmitri’s ministry. Dmitri and his church are praying that God brings a great harvest among th…
Vasily is an SGA-supported missionary pastor in Belarus. He has seen God’s hand at work in the young lives of Andrei, Volodya, and Daniel. And he is eager to share the joy of seeing God turn them to …
Prayer knows no boundaries of time or depth. In Russia, Pastor Alexander has seen answered prayers in unexpected times. Hear more about the power of prayer and how faithful servants, like Alexander, …
Pastor Vladimir, in Ukraine, is sharing God’s Word while meeting the urgent needs of the community. Hear more about how Vladimir is planting the seeds of the Gospel and waiting patiently for them to …
Pastor Alexander ministers to people in Belarus, like Vasily, whose lives have been consumed by their sin. After living a broken and empty life, Vasily came back to his faith. Hear about Vasily’s pat…
God is accomplishing much in former Soviet nations, and you are an essential part in the fellowship of ministry through SGA! We thank you for your bond with us and with those working the harvest and …
Western Siberia’s harsh climate of 90+ degree summers and winters of double-digits below zero does not deter faithful SGA-supported missionary pastors. They’re intent on reaching the unreached with t…
Ukrainian refugees are experiencing the love of God as they come to churches in the former Soviet nation of Moldova. Hear how believers are meeting temporal needs and proclaiming the Gospel in the co…
There is a longing for joy and peace in Ukraine. Andrei, supported by SGA, is ministering to the spiritual and physical needs of his neighbors by turning their hearts toward God. Hear about these inc…
Pastor Alexander knows that proclaiming the Gospel to the orphaned children and elderly in Belarus is the most important way to serve them. Learn more about how Alexander supports his community by te…