This was written in April 2022 by Pastor Alexander Oresechyn, speaking about the Institute of Leadership in Lviv, as hostilities were increasing in Ukraine. From a human perspective, it seemed impossible that church leaders could continue to be trained and work progress. However, God has an entirely different perspective!
Move forward to April 2024, and Alexander writes that the Institute is currently ministering to nearly 1500 church leaders who enrolled from all over Ukraine, as well as starting online training for displaced Gospel workers in nine different countries. One area of particular interest for many church leaders is ministering to and caring for families of fallen soldiers. Alexander writes:
“Since the need in this area is constantly growing, we are continuously looking for the best resources available”
Natalia is 23 years old and lives with her mother. When Alexander met her for the first time, she was open to the Gospel and was asking many questions. The Lord was working in her heart, but a few weeks ago on April 10 her father was killed at the front. Natalia was shocked and had many questions such as “Why has it happened?” The church was trying to provide her with support and care. It is very difficult to give advice to people in such situations, so believers tried simply to be there for her and to support her. She invited her mother to the church. After the service, her mother showed great appreciation for the support shown to Natalia.
Alexander concludes:
“Someone has said: ’The darker the night, the brighter is the beauty of the stars’. Something similar is happening in our country right now. In a time of great upheaval, war and pain, we can see the great mercy of our God and His care for us and people around even better. We continue to pray for relatives of fallen soldiers. Our efforts to do something in this area are small, because it requires resources and specialists we don’t yet have. Please, continue to pray for this need”
Praise God for His work in the Institute and may many more Christian workers be raised up for His glory.