The McReport: Can a refugee’s journey of war lead to a new spiritual harbor in Minnesota?

Yes. Yevheniia "Zhenya" Poliakova, a refugee who fled the devastation of war in Ukraine, has successfully planted "Harbor Point," a new church in Red Wing, Minnesota. Her journey from the frontlines of a global conflict to the quiet riverbanks of the Midwest is a powerful example of how God uses displacement to spark new missions of hope and community restoration.

What Happened: From Kyiv to Red Wing

Two years ago, Yevheniia "Zhenya" Poliakova’s life looked nothing like the peaceful landscape of Minnesota. As Russian forces moved toward Kyiv, the sounds of air raid sirens and the smell of smoke became her daily reality. Like millions of others, she was forced to make the agonizing decision to leave her home, her belongings, and the life she had built. She fled with little more than a suitcase and a deep, abiding faith that the Holy Spirit was leading her toward safety.

After a grueling journey through Europe, Zhenya eventually found her way to the United States. While many refugees naturally gravitate toward large urban centers with established immigrant populations, Zhenya felt a specific pull toward the smaller communities of the Midwest. She eventually landed in Red Wing, Minnesota: a picturesque town known for its bluffs and the Mississippi River, but a place that felt a world away from the bustling streets of Ukraine.

Settling in wasn't just about finding a job or an apartment; it was about finding a purpose. Zhenya, who has deep roots in the Pentecostal tradition and the Assemblies of God, didn't just want to be a recipient of aid: she wanted to be a builder. Recognizing a spiritual hunger in her new community, and seeing the need for a space that could bridge the gap for both newcomers and locals, she began the process of planting "Harbor Point" church.

Supported by the Minnesota District of the Assemblies of God and local believers, Harbor Point has quickly become more than just a place of worship. It is a "harbor" in every sense of the word. It’s a place where the brokenness of war meets the healing power of Christ, and where a woman who lost everything is now giving everything she has to restore the "breach" in the lives of those around her.

Both Sides: The Burden of the Past vs. the Opportunity of the Future

Starting a new life in a foreign country presents a massive internal conflict that many refugees face. On one side, there is the undeniable challenge of cultural shock, the language barrier, and the heavy weight of trauma. Critics of rapid refugee resettlement often point to the strain on local resources and the difficulty of integration. For a refugee like Zhenya, the sheer exhaustion of surviving a war is often enough to make anyone want to simply rest and remain anonymous.

On the other side, however, is a phenomenon many theologians call "reversed missions." For decades, the Western church has sent missionaries to Eastern Europe and the Global South. Now, through the providential movement of people across borders: even through the tragedy of war: God is bringing seasoned, fire-tested believers back to the West.

Zhenya’s presence in Red Wing isn't just a story of Minnesota helping a refugee; it’s a story of a refugee helping Minnesota. Her perspective, forged in the fires of conflict, brings a level of spiritual urgency and reliance on the Holy Spirit that can often be missing in comfortable, established Western churches. Harbor Point represents this "reversed mission" in action, where the "mission field" has become the "missionary."

Why It Matters

This story matters because it shifts the narrative around the global refugee crisis from one of "burden" to one of "blessing." When we see the displaced through the lens of the Kingdom, we realize that God is often rearranging the pieces of the world to ensure the Gospel reaches every corner.

While this is happening in Minnesota, we see similar echoes right here in the Mid-South. Whether it’s in Memphis or the surrounding rural towns, our communities are becoming increasingly diverse. The way we welcome the stranger today determines the strength of our spiritual heritage tomorrow. If we view these newcomers only as people in need of a handout, we miss the opportunity to receive the spiritual fire they carry. Zhenya is a reminder that the person sitting across from you at a coffee shop might just be the one God sent to revive your community.

A Biblical Perspective: The Restorer of the Breach

In the book of Isaiah, we find a powerful promise that speaks directly to Zhenya’s mission. Isaiah 58:12 says:

"Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings."

In the Assemblies of God tradition, we believe in the restorative power of the Holy Spirit. We believe that God doesn't just save us from something; He saves us for something. Zhenya’s life is a living illustration of this verse. The "ancient ruins" of her life in Ukraine were left behind, but in their place, God is using her to "raise up foundations" in a new land.

Being a "Restorer of the Breach" means looking at a broken situation: like a war-torn life or a spiritually stagnant town: and believing that God wants to fix the walls. It’s about more than just survival; it’s about transformation. When we operate in the power of the Spirit, we don't just see refugees; we see "Repairers." We don't just see a small town in Minnesota; we see a "Harbor."

Life Takeaway: How to Respond

It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the news of war and the logistics of global migration. However, the story of Harbor Point gives us a clear, peaceful path forward.

1. Pray for the "Repairers": Take a moment today to pray specifically for refugee-led church plants like Harbor Point. Pray for Zhenya and leaders like her who are navigating the complexities of a new culture while trying to shepherd souls.

2. Shift Your Perspective: Ask God to help you see the "stranger" in your own community not as a statistic, but as a potential partner in the Gospel.

3. Be a Harbor: You don’t have to start a church to be a place of safety. Look for ways to offer dignity and a welcoming spirit to those who have been displaced from their "normal," whether by war or by life's personal storms.

Source: The McReport News Research, Assemblies of God World Missions, Minnesota District Council of the AG.

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If you are feeling overwhelmed, confused, or emotionally drained by the news cycle: your reaction is not “weak.” It’s human. We invite you into a Jesus-centered community for spiritual family and care at BoundlessOnlineChurch.org. If you need private, personal guidance during a hard season, Dr. Layne McDonald offers Christian coaching and mentoring at LayneMcDonald.com. Stay grounded, stay hopeful, and keep pointing to Jesus.