As Russia's war in Ukraine continues, a local church in Youngstown welcomed a pastor from the war-torn country Tuesday afternoon. 

Pastor Alex Ilash Jr. of The Well of Living Water Church of Ukraine, received a warm welcome from members from Mount Calvary Pentecostal Church as he provided updates on humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian pastor was recognized as a beacon of light after opening his church in Ukraine and providing care to 50,000 internally displaced citizens.

Amid ongoing battles in Ukraine and a damaged economy, his congregation provided citizens with medical supplies and more than 10,000 packages full of food.

"[Ukrainians] lost their homes. They lost their jobs, they lost their savings and many of them lost their family members," Ilash said.

He's grateful for generous donations and spiritual support from churches like Mount Calvary, which is helping restore faith in Christ and community.

"We would not be able to provide that much help to that huge number of people without the churches here," Ilash told 21 News.

And while humanitarian efforts between churches continue, Ukrainians are still suffering.

Pastor Ilash says he is committed to serving Ukrainians as many are emotionally and financially broken after the Russian invasion.

Donations can be sent to the pastor via Cash App at $Alexilash or Zell under [email protected]