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In this episode, host David Nakhla speaks with Elder Mark Agarkov of Kharkiv Presbyterian Church and OPC missionary Heero Hacquebord to get an update on the situation in Ukraine, now three years into the war. Mark shares about the ongoing suffering in the eastern region of Kharkiv—just 20 miles from the front lines—the support they've received from generous U.S. donors, and the deep sense of care they've experienced amid hardship. He also reflects on how many are being drawn to Christ through their suffering, the work that the ministry of the church is doing, and the lasting physical and emotional toll the war is taking. Heero provides updates on his family, his church, and the ongoing work of Crates for Ukraine, an initiative of the Presbyterian Church in America that continues to bring aid to those in need.

Referenced in this episode:

Listeners can find more details and make direct donations on the Kharkiv Presbyterian Church website: https://www.kharkivpresbyterianministry.com. There, you can also subscribe to receive their monthly updates. Alternatively, you can email Mark Agarkov, and he will add you to the list: mark.agarkov@gmail.com.

Additionally, here is the link to their WhatsApp group where they regularly post photos: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FhrlLtJWtdB4sjbizl3FaA.

Cratesforukraine.com, Heero's (easy) e-mail address ukraine.europe@me.com, and if you would like to get the Hacquebord's prayer letters and read older issues you can do so with this long link: https://us7.campaign-archive.com/home/?u=49d839383d86ec3614b01b767&id=7be70c1b6a.

Prayer Requests from Mark and Heero

Prayer Requests from Mark Agarkov (Kharkiv Presbyterian Church)

• For stable peace in Ukraine, along with lasting justice, national freedom, and the continued blessing of religious freedom.
• For Ukrainian pastors, elders, and ministry leaders—for courage, endurance, and faithfulness under pressure, as well as for more workers to meet the overwhelming needs of Gospel ministry.
• For prayer for spiritual revival in Ukraine, that the suffering of war would lead many to seek Christ and that the nation would experience a widespread turning to Jesus.
• For prayer for their social ministry, as needs grow while donations have declined. He asks that Ukraine would remain on people's hearts and that God would provide resources to serve both now and in the long recovery ahead.
• For safety, especially for families and children, amid frequent drone attacks and shelling near Kharkiv.
• For their summer trip to the U.S., that doors would open for them to travel legally, that the time would be fruitful, and that th

You can find all of our episodes at thereformeddeacon.org. Make sure to follow us on your favorite podcast player, so you don't miss an episode. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for giveaways and more information. Find other resources on OPCCDM.org. Make sure to send us some feedback on your podcast player or ask a diaconal question by going to OPCCDM.org.

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In this episode, host Tim Hopper (Shiloh OPC, Raleigh, NC) is joined by fellow seasoned deacons Lynne Hunter (Harvest OPC, Wyoming, MI) and Bob Keys (Grace OPC, Columbus, OH) to wrestle through several thought-provoking real-world scenarios.

Consider what you might do if your church had a budget surplus or a woman visits your church asking for rent money for her motel stay; what the proper process is when a charity approaches your diaconate for support or when a church member asks for tuition help for her last semester of art school.

Tune in to hear how Tim, Lynne, and Bob suggest working through each scenario—and then bring the conversation to your own diaconate! A few of these were submitted by Joel Vander Kooi, a deacon at Redeemer OPC in Airdrie, Alberta—thanks, Joel! (He got a cool The Reformed Deacon t-shirt for his suggestions.)

Referenced in this episode:

Suggested guidelines and questions for a deacon to ask a stranger

You can find all of our episodes at thereformeddeacon.org. Make sure to follow us on your favorite podcast player, so you don't miss an episode. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for giveaways and more information. Find other resources on OPCCDM.org. Make sure to send us some feedback on your podcast player or ask a diaconal question by going to OPCCDM.org.

What did you think? Text us by clicking here! We are unable to reply on this app, so include phone # or email address.

In this episode of The Reformed Deacon, host Rev. Adrian Crum speaks with Rev. John Fikkert, a mental health counselor and Director of the OPC Committee on Ministerial Care, and his wife, Dr. Lindsay Fikkert, a psychologist at Pella Counseling. Together, they offer deep and compassionate insight into how deacons—and entire congregations—can come alongside those facing mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, and grief. This conversation is rich with practical suggestions and gospel-centered encouragement for caring well within the church. Adrian also shares personally how John, through his role in the Committee on Ministerial Care, supported him during a difficult season.

It’s a longer episode, but well worth the time. Don't forget your notepad—you’ll want to remember the many takeaways.

Referenced in this episode:

• The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt
• OPC Book of Church Order (chapter 11 on deacons)

You can find all of our episodes at thereformeddeacon.org. Make sure to follow us on your favorite podcast player, so you don't miss an episode. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for giveaways and more information. Find other resources on OPCCDM.org. Make sure to send us some feedback on your podcast player or ask a diaconal question by going to OPCCDM.org.