A recent church service was organized by SGA’s Regional Coordinator, Peter Mihalchiuck and SGA sponsored missionary, Yuri Tanin, who coordinates the Ukrainian ministry in Balti, Moldova. Many of the 200 attendees were from the Ukrainian front-line areas.
They have lost their homes, and also for some, their loved ones. With deep gratitude in their hearts and tears in their eyes, they received the food packages that were provided with financial support from SGA.
For some of those there it was an opportunity to unburden their hearts and request prayer for their many needs. The following accounts shared by Peter help to illustrate the desolation and despair that is so prevalent in the hearts and lives of these people.
Svetlana from Zaporizhzhia
Svetlana fled Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, in 2022 with her daughter and granddaughter when Russian troops were advancing. Sadly, six months into the war, her son-in-law, Serghey, whom she loved as her own son, was killed.
One day, very young inexperienced recruits had been brought to his unit. As they began advancing unknowingly into a minefield, Serghey tried to rescue them but unfortunately stepped on a mine and was killed instantly. While his sacrifice saved the lives of several young men, his mum grieved inconsolably and did not want to go on living. However, according to Svetlana’s words, when she came to the church service, she felt a real relief in her heart. She asked for a Bible and began reading and praying at home.
She shared that she now prays constantly and has joined a church in a village near Bălți, where she temporarily lives in an empty house. She often says: “The Lord healed my sorrow, and I will praise Him for this all my life!”
Veronika fled Ukraine
Veronika with her daughter Melania fled Ukraine due to shelling. While this was her first time in the church, she requested Peter to pray for her grandson Timur, who was recently scalded with boiling water and is now in a serious condition in hospital.
Veronika admitted that she had never attended church before—this was her first time. She does not know how to pray but believes in the power of the church’s prayers and promised to pray at home and to attend services.
Valentyna knows God hears
Valentyna, to the left of Peter has begun her journey to God. About six months ago, her son Andrey, a Ukrainian soldier, disappeared on the front lines. She was grieving deeply, as many soldiers are killed by explosions and often cannot be found.
Valentyna had asked the church to pray for her son. During the special church service, she shared that her son Andrey who was taken captive by Russian forces is alive. There is a possibility that he might return home, after an exchange of soldiers between Russia and Ukraine.
Today, this woman hugged us and said, “Now I know for sure that God hears the prayers of believers!”