Update on Ivan Koval (after his escape from Ukraine)

By Robert Anthony and Ivan Koval March 4th 2026

Because so many of you were following the story on our contributing author, Ivan Koval, I thought to tell you what has become of him!  It’s a great and amazing story. 

So, you might remember how Ivan escaped from Ukraine, in a paraglider with a motor on it..? (They call it para-motoring, I guess?).  Well, he already had a US Visa because he had come here so many times in the past for business and ministry purposes.  So it was rather easy for him to get here.

Hearing all the horrors on the (far left leaning) news, I was a little worried that Ivan might have trouble getting into the country.  Wouldn’t you know it!?  Ivan said, “I never had an easier time ever, entering the United States of America.”  He flew into Seattle to be with some of his family and he has been safe ever since, in our still set apart, city-on-a-hill of a nation. 

Ivan has only wonderful things to say thus far about immigration, his treatment by the government as an asylum seeker etc. 

He has already had his first meeting with USCIS, which normally takes months to get (under Biden this first part of the process was taking up to 6 months), Ivan got within a couple weeks!  Already we notice that President Trump has done something amazing to have fixed immigration, LEGAL Immigration I should say.  So it is really only good news! 

America, under President Trump, is truly that light and hope of the world kind of a nation, or at least we have the momentum to become that!

---

Here is a little message from Ivan in his own words:

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Thank you so much for your prayers, your kindness, and your support. From the depths of my heart, I am grateful to the Lord for placing such loving people in my life.

My story of escape from Ukraine is truly amazing — not because of me, but because our Lord is amazing. Every step of that journey reminded me that God watches over His children even in the darkest moments.

There were days when I had to hide in the woods, in open fields, and even among the tall cattails along the banks of the local river. In those moments I often thought about the story of Elijah in the wilderness, when God cared for His servant in a place of danger and uncertainty. I felt that same protection. Many times I did not know what would happen next, but the Lord provided what I needed at the right moment — strength, guidance, and protection.

Looking back, I can see His hand in every step. There were moments when danger seemed very close, yet somehow the Lord closed the eyes of those who might have seen me and opened the path before me. I know with all my heart that it was God’s mercy and protection that carried me through.

Today I am thankful to be here among you. I can breathe freely, attend church, and serve others through volunteer work. I can enjoy life again — although my heart still carries some sadness because my family is not yet with me. I continue to pray that God will reunite us soon.

I believe that every child of God has at least one story of a miracle the Lord has done in their life. My story may be unique because of the circumstances, but the truth behind it is simple and eternal:

There is nothing impossible for God.

“Soli Deo Gloria” — To God alone be the glory!

My story is truly God’s story written in my life. And I pray that each of you will also see His hand working in your own life. Look for Him. Seek Him. Draw near to Him, because He is closer than we often realize. He hears prayers. He guides our steps. He protects us in ways we may not even understand at the moment.

Trust Him with all your heart. Rely on Him in every circumstance.

I am also deeply thankful to you and to this great country that has become a shelter for me. Your kindness and welcome mean more than words can express. Please continue to pray for me as I go through the legal process of asylum. It is a long journey, but I trust that God will lead it to the right outcome in His perfect time. And I believe that one day we will have even more stories to share about how great God is and the wonders He has done in our lives!

With gratitude and faith,

Ivan Koval.

Soli Deo Gloria!