I hope this message finds you well. Despite the challenges and darkness that continue from the ongoing war, the Lord continues to work in people’s hearts in Ukraine and the surrounding nations. The Ukraine Crisis Fund supports many individuals affected by the war, especially through the care of local churches. Thank you for your generosity which allows for continued ministry in a country that desperately needs the hope of the gospel.
Pastor Oleg K. serves at Poninka Baptist Church in western Ukraine.
He shares that his church “continues to carry the light of Christ in the darkness of this world and we remain faithful in preaching the Gospel, helping refugees, missionary trips to the East and South of Ukraine, working with children and teenagers, joining the young generation in Christ through mentoring, serving the military families and the families of fallen heroes.”
Their church took several mission trips bringing fuel, groceries, and water to people in the Zaporizhia, Kharkiv, and Donetsk regions. The Lord protected them in the midst of bombardment by enemy missiles and guided aerial bombs.
“We have two goals in every trip,” says Oleg. “The first is to help front-line churches in their service to people; the second is meetings and spiritual support of military friends who protect our country.”
One of the ladies that they helped named Ludmila responded in gratefulness and honesty,
“Thank you very much for such good help, communication, support and understanding. It is very hard when you have your own home and leave everything you need in your life, and with tears in your eyes and one suitcase in your hands, you leave your hometown. Why did this happen, for what, what are we to blame? We lived, worked, raised children, loved, and rejoiced at every smile of our grandchildren, dreamed of a happy future for Ukraine. But the one called “brother” came to our land. No, he is not our “brother”! He brought destruction, pain, grief, and tears. Lord, I turn to you, I pray and ask you to stop him. God, give him a mind to understand that seeing a clear blue sky, breathing fresh air, feeling the incredible smell of flowers, living in peaceful cities and villages is incomparably better than destroying and killing.”
Thank you for your investment in the Ukraine Crisis Fund that allows Ukrainian pastors like Oleg, along with his church, to care for and offer the hope that only comes through Jesus Christ to people like Ludmila living in the midst of difficult circumstances.
