WHEELING — A pastor from Ukraine who spoke at Bethlehem Apostolic Temple two years ago is returning to the church Wednesday evening to offer an update on his ministry in the war-torn country and how he is helping those living there and continuing to feel the effects of the Russian invasion.

Pastor Oleksandr “Alex” Ilash of Well of Living Water Church in Izmail, Ukraine, will speak to the audience at Bethlehem Apostolic Temple, 330 Main St. in Wheeling, at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. He will also show a video of his efforts in Ukraine since he last spoke at the church in 2023.

Bishop Darrell Cummings, lead pastor of Bethlehem Apostolic Temple, said he and Ilash met again last week at a national convention in New Orleans and Ilash asked if he could return to the Ohio Valley to speak.

“Both he and his wife told me that, when they were here before, the people at the hotel were so nice to him, when we took him to eat, the people were so nice to him and with the number of people and media that came out to hear hims, that meant something to him,” Cummings said. “He told me he doesn’t get that treatment everywhere.”

Ilash’s church has been helping Ukrainians since active warfare began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

Since then, the church has cared for refugees, feeding hundreds and giving supplies to thousands, from groceries and hygiene products to diapers for children.

At their last meeting, Cummings said Ilash told him of his own direct contact with war. One of the church’s vans, which was being used to transport both people and supplies, was bombed.

Yet, Cummings said, Ilash’s spirit has not wavered.

“He has an amazing spirit,” Cummings said. “He’s a unique character and he is in our constant prayers. But he has definitely felt the strain and the struggle and we look forward to him sharing his story.

“It’s something nobody should have to go through,” he added.

Suffragan Bishop James Agnew of the Tree of Life Apostolic Church in Martins Ferry said the people of the Ohio Valley were very good to Ilash during his last visit, and he hopes that same level of hospitality and support comes through again Wednesday.

“The last time, we had a full house, and this time we’d love a full house twice over,” Agnew said. “We have servants’ hearts and we feel the need to serve by giving and supporting this great cause. We’re praying that this war ends sooner than later but, in the meantime, we want to do our part.”

The service may be seen on Facebook at Bethlehem Apostolic Temple or Shiloh Apostolic Faith Assembly’s pages, also on their websites, GreaterLoveMinistriesWV.org or BethlehemApostolicTemple.org, on YouTube at DWCummingsMinistries and on X at DWCMinistries.