A literature evangelism field school held in Ukrainka, Ukraine, introduced a new ministry format that brought together experienced literature evangelists and Pathfinders, resulting in the most successful outreach of its kind in Ukraine.

The 10-day program, held June 15–24, 2026, gathered 55 participants, including 25 literature evangelists, 25 Pathfinders, and five staff members.

Throughout the project, literature evangelists distributed Christian books in the cities of Ukrainka and Obukhiv by setting up literature tables, visiting local organizations, and going door to door.

Pathfinders complemented these efforts with community engagement activities. In addition to meeting people on the streets and in local institutions, they invited residents to participate in water-based recreation activities—including kayaking, pedal boating, and stand-up paddleboarding—creating natural opportunities to introduce Christian literature and share their faith.

By the end of the project, participants had distributed nearly 740 books, more than 500 newspapers, and 340 books free of charge. According to the organizers, these figures represent the best results ever achieved during a field literature evangelism project in the country.

"The greatest innovation this year was combining the ministries of literature evangelists and Pathfinders," said Viacheslav Kulaha, Publishing Ministries director for the Ukrainian Union Conference and director of the Dzherelo Zhyttia (Source of Life) Publishing House. "Experienced evangelists learned from the creativity of young people, while Pathfinders gained practical experience in door-to-door ministry and literature distribution."

Andrii Vynnychenko, Publishing Ministries director of the Central Ukrainian Conference, said this collaborative model is unique to Ukraine.

"Participants spent the first half of the day in the literature ministry and the afternoon engaging people through water activities before introducing them to Christian books," he explained. "Another distinctive feature is that children and young people actively participate in literature evangelism and gospel outreach."

Vynnychenko described the outcome as unprecedented.

"Seven hundred forty books is a record for our field projects. We have never achieved such a result before," he said.

He also noted the steady growth of participation. Several years ago, similar projects involved about 25 people. Last year's attendance reached 42, while this year's program welcomed 55 participants.

Although literature evangelism traditionally focuses on selling books, free literature distribution also plays an important role in the church's mission.

"When books are sold, the proceeds return to the publishing ministry, allowing new editions to be printed and distributed through literature evangelists," Vynnychenko explained.

Organizers reported many meaningful conversations with people who were initially reluctant to engage but later became interested in the Christian literature being offered.

One encounter particularly stood out. A woman displaced from Ukraine's Donetsk region recognized among the displayed books the same edition of the Bible she had owned before being forced to flee her home. Unable to take her Bible during the evacuation, she was deeply moved to find the same edition and purchased a copy, describing the experience as especially meaningful.

Vynnychenko believes literature evangelism remains relevant despite the rapid growth of digital communication.

"For many years people have predicted the decline of literature evangelism, yet in practice it continues to grow and remain effective."

Vynnychenko emphasized that training new workers is one of the field school's primary objectives. Each year, children and young people with no previous experience join the program, where they learn communication skills, literature ministry, and practical evangelism.

"Some participants take their first steps in speaking with strangers during the camp and continue developing those skills through future projects," he said.

According to Vynnychenko, literature evangelism has long served as a training ground for future church leaders.

"Many people develop communication and ministry skills through literature evangelism, and from this environment future church workers often emerge."

Kulaha said the organizers hope to expand similar initiatives throughout Ukraine.

"Our goal is to increase the number of these projects. We have the resources and opportunities to do so," he said.

The next major initiative will focus on Christmas outreach projects planned across the country. Organizers hope that each local conference will conduct at least one project, with approximately 40 events taking place nationwide.

These three-day outreach events will involve students, children, teenagers, Pathfinders, and young adults. Participants will sing Christmas carols in public places, distribute Christian literature, and engage passersby in conversation.

"This format received very positive feedback when it was presented to the world church," Kulaha said. "Our colleagues from other countries were pleasantly surprised that a method which might seem ineffective at first glance actually proves to be a successful way of sharing Christian literature and connecting with people."

This article was provided by the Ukrainian Union Conference.