A New Chapter
LSM Serving in Ukraine
Loving Shepherd Ministries is excited to share we are expanding our work to now serve in Ukraine. For more than two decades, Love Cradle International helped vulnerable children and families in Ukraine. LSM has had the privilege of knowing Love Cradle founders, Steve and Irina Yagilnicky, for many years as we shared a deep commitment to caring for the vulnerable and sharing the Gospel.
Sadly, Steve passed away in January 2025, and the Love Cradle Board entered a season of prayer about the future of their ministry. In God's perfect timing, LSM and Love Cradle began communicating about LSM possibly becoming involved in the work.
As the Lord opened doors in 2026, Love Cradle's work in Ukraine became part of LSM. Irina Yagilnicky now serves as Ukraine Program Director, continuing the relationships and programs established through Love Cradle while expanding LSM’s mission to serve the vulnerable.
Through this program, we will come alongside vulnerable children and families through urgent relief, family support, children’s programs, and discipleship.
We are grateful for the opportunity God has given us to continue this work and expand our programs to serve the vulnerable in Ukraine.
Serving Families in Crisis
Strengthening Families. Supporting Children. Sharing Christ.
The conflict in Ukraine has left children and families facing displacement, loss, poverty, and uncertainty. Yet even with devastating circumstances, God is at work through people and churches who are faithfully serving those in need.
LSM will come alongside these existing relationships to strengthen the work already taking place in Ukraine and, where God leads, expand its impact.
SERVING FAMILIES IN UKRAINE
MORE THAN JUST BOXES OF SUPPLIES
One way LSM will support this work is by sending urgent relief to Ukraine. We plan to send several sea containers in 2027, providing urgently needed supplies to children, families, churches, and ministry partners affected by the ongoing war.
These shipments are more than just boxes of supplies. They are tangible expressions of God’s love and reminders to families facing difficult circumstances that they have not been forgotten.
We are looking forward to this new chapter God has opened for LSM and excited to see Him multiply it for His glory. As we move forward, please pray for the Ukraine Program and the people we will serve.
PLEASE PRAY WITH US
For peace and protection for children and families affected by the ongoing war.
For Irina Yagilnicky and the Ukraine Program team as they lead this new chapter.
For our ministry partners in Ukraine as they serve families in difficult circumstances.
For wisdom and opportunities to strengthen families and share the hope of Christ.
LSM TECH GRADUATES
We are excited to celebrate the 23 students who recently graduated from LSM Tech. These young men and women represent the fulfillment of LSM's mission and vision to equip young people to be Christ-followers and build sustainable futures. The graduation ceremony included testimonies from the graduates as they reflected on their journeys since joining LSM.
One of the graduates, Jocelin*, shared:
“When I joined LSM, I had a Home of Hope family who loved me, an education, and food. After completing high school, my journey continued at LSM Tech. My years on campus helped me earn a degree in Law and gave me the opportunity to prepare for a future where I can help others and make a difference in my country.
Graduation is not the end, but the beginning of a new chapter. I am leaving LSM with everything they planted in my heart - values, character, and the strength to follow God's plans for my life. Thank you to everyone for your prayers and support that helped transform my life.”
*Name changed for privacy
A New School Year in Ethiopia
A new school year has begun in Ethiopia, bringing new opportunities for children to learn, grow, and pursue their God-given potential.
Recently, our staff provided essential school supplies and backpacks for each child. Younger children in kindergarten also received art supplies to encourage creativity and learning.
For these children, having the supplies they need means they can arrive at school ready to learn. Through support like this, we come alongside families, remove barriers to education, and help children build a foundation for a brighter future.
We are grateful for the opportunity to invest in these children and for the faithful supporters who make it possible.
Pray For LSM
Pray for our STUDENTS IN HAITI AND ETHIOPIA as they begin a new school year and work towards a brighter future. Pray also for our recent graduates as they begin a new chapter and build a sustainable future.
Pray that our USA PROGRAM will bring God's healing love and stability to even more foster and adoptive children and their families.