When we hear the word “faithful,” we often think of someone who is considered steadfast, loyal, reliable and unwavering in their commitments.

With a specific calling on their lives to reach and impact coaches and athletes, Pasha and Ira Choryna are two FCA Leaders who demonstrate what it means to befaithful.

FAITHFUL AMIDST UNCERTAINTY

On February 24, 2022, everything changed for Pasha and Ira and so many other FCA Ukraine teammates when Russia launched a military invasion of Ukraine. Pasha, Ira and their two daughters, Grace and Gloria, were among several Ukrainian FCA teammates in San Antonio for staff conferences when the invasion began.

With unimaginable circumstances in their home country, Pasha and Ira prayerfully considered whether to stay in the United States until it was safe to return or make another move. From February 2022 until April 2023, they stayed stateside and wrestled through all the unknowns.

After months of prayer and seeking the Lord’s guidance, several FCA Ukraine staff members relocated and continued their ministry to coaches and athletes in Poland. Pasha and Ira did not have peace about going to Poland at that time. They sensed God calling them elsewhere. After spending time in prayer, He made it clear that they were to spend at least a year ministering in Armenia.

It was not an easy decision to follow through on; their hearts were still tied to Ukraine in deep grief and heartache with friends and family under attack.

Yet, Pasha and Ira never stopped pursuing the Lord and believing in His purpose and calling for their lives.

MINISTRY IN ARMENIIA: A SEASON OF FIRSTS

Saying yes to Armenia brought its own set of challenges in a dark spiritual climate. But their willingness to say “yes” opened doors, allowing more people to hear the Gospel and experience Jesus’ love.

“God was so good,” said Ira about their time in Armenia. There were a lot of firsts, like holding an FCA Power Camp, where kids heard the Gospel, tried different sports, and had fun.

“When you do ministry, even giving a small amount, people say, ‘I can see that you love God.’ You can say a lot, but as we always say, people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care,” Ira said.

Regardless of the immense tension between the two countries, Pasha knew they would be interacting with people from Russia and experienced the Lord transforming his perspective.

One way he’s been able to influence coaches and athletes and engage them with the Gospel is through his experience as a CrossFit coach. One day, a group of Russians visited the gym where he coached, looking for a facility to train during the winter months. Pasha recognized the opportunity to lean in and share the love of Christ, and his first step was praying with them at the gym.

This simple act of obedience stirred up conversations about why he prays and eventually led to sharing the Gospel. From these encounters, he formed a friendship with Ivan. They began meeting for coffee and engaged in Gospel-centered conversations, and Pasha gave him a Coach’s Bible. Regardless of their different backgrounds and places they called home, Pasha and Ivan’s friendship has been a beautiful picture of how the Gospel tears down walls that the enemy attempts to build up.

“Serving one person can reach others, and you never know their story,” said Pasha. “The biggest lesson for me is that God is working in my heart before He wants to work in someone else's heart.”

During their short time in Armenia, Pasha and Ira multiplied the impact of their ministry. Pasha had the opportunity to share the Gospel and pray with participants at a CrossFit competition. Additionally, they hosted a Coaches TimeOut to encourage coaches and their spouses and facilitated camp. Meanwhile, Ira served children in Sunday school at church and engaged with neighborhood kids through organized activities. In every situation they found themselves in, they saw it as an opportunity to share the hope of Jesus.

Being faithful in the small things can result in even greater impact and influence.

A NEW CHAPTER

When their year in Armenia came to an end, the next step the Lord was leading them to was to do ministry alongside FCA’s North Global team in Poland. Although they long to return to their home in Ukraine, they’ve continued to trust in God’s timing and direction for all things.

Since moving to Poland alongside many of their Ukrainian teammates, they’ve experienced traction and growth in ministry.

“While the concept of combining sports and faith is still new to many people here, God is opening hearts and creating opportunities,” said Ira. “More coaches and athletes are becoming curious and even excited about how faith can shape the way they train, compete and lead.

“We’ve started with a small but passionate team, and God continues to bring the right people at the right time,” Ira continued. “Through initiatives like American football, basketball Power Camp, basketball camp, All-Ability sports and gymnastics, we’re seeing increased interest and involvement. Volunteers are stepping up, and we’re building strong relationships with local churches, coaches and sports communities.”

Pasha and Ira believe it is just the beginning of God’s movement in Poland through sports and are praying for even more doors to open.

LESSONS IN TRUST AND OBEDIENCE

It hasn’t been an easy journey for their family, but one marked by deeper trust and dependency on the Lord. Despite the hardships and setbacks, they’ve continued to grow in their faith and have seen God at work in and through them to continue the mission of FCA.

“In this season, the Lord is really teaching me to trust Him more deeply — to slow down, listen and be sensitive to where He’s already working, rather than trying to force things in my own strength,” Pasha shared. “It’s easy to want quick results or clear outcomes, especially in ministry. But God keeps reminding me that it’s not about building my plans — it’s about joining His work. I’m learning that fruit comes in His timing, and my role is to stay connected, obedient and available.”

If you’re interested in supporting the Chorna family and FCA ministry in Poland, visit fcangd.org.

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