The Leaders Who Stayed: Field Update, Fall 2026
The day we arrived in Kyiv, the bridges between the two halves of the city were being bombed. The day we left, we watched Ukrainian air defense bring down Russian drones over the city. In between, we did something that felt almost defiant in a country at war. We paused to rest and create a space for renewal.
Air defense over Kyiv during our visit. This is the soundtrack of life in Ukraine.
We gathered 61 couples who are spiritual leaders in Ukraine, pastors, chaplains, and their wives, across two retreats, 44 in the Kyiv region and 17 near Lviv. A team of six came from the United States to serve them. For three days, these leaders laid down the weight they carry and looked honestly at four parts of their lives: soul, body, mind, and relationships. They rested and shared the truth about their lives with a few trusted peers.
One night in Kyiv, we shared dinner with one of these leaders and his family as air raids sounded nearby. We listened to their story, and we prayed for them. This is one of the ways that the Renewal Initiative community helps to carry those who are carrying others.
Highlights
61 couples, across two retreats — Kyiv and Lviv.
Three days of rest, honesty, and realignment across soul, body, mind, and relationships.
Leaders rated the time 4.8 out of 5, and nearly all want to come again.
One couple wrote, “Thank you for creating a space where families could pause, listen to one another again, and rediscover the value of their family.”
What we’re learning
The quiet crisis is loneliness. The deepest need these leaders named was to be seen and known.
They are exhausted and faithful. “Waking up alive tomorrow is already gratitude.”
Investing in leaders multiplies impact. Each leader and family carries a congregation and a community. When we strengthen the leader, we reach everyone they serve.
A retreat helps, but what they asked for most is ongoing connection. Peer groups, care for spouses and families, and tools for caring for others without burning out.
Thank you for making this possible.
