Alongside its long term support of missionary pastors, SGA is also providing emergency support for missionary families who are currently facing particularly difficult times, due to them being displaced or serving in significantly dangerous parts of Ukraine.
One such pastor is Andrii Tiuliu, pastor of a local church in Druzhkivka (Donetsk region).
Since 2014, the church has actively participated in various humanitarian efforts, using its large premises to become a humanitarian hub in the area – receiving and distributing aid among other churches deeper in the Donbas region. Pastor Andrii has not left Druzhkivka since the full-scale invasion; he has remained with his local church, which continues to be a vital point close to the frontline.
Before the invasion, the church had 130 members. Forty stayed after it began, and now the number has grown, with over 120 regularly attending. As the frontline moves closer, many displaced people have relocated to Druzhkivka or moved further west. The local administration has announced that they will enforce the compulsory evacuation of children if the frontline approaches within 15 km of the town – it is currently 18 km away. The church also hosts military chaplains who serve troops on the frontlines.
Pastor Andrii thanks the Lord for keeping their church premises intact, which he considers a miracle, as the building was at times “marked,” and people had to be evacuated.
He lives and serves together with his wife and youngest daughter. He has been receiving support since the end of 2022 and is very thankful for the opportunity to continue his ministry, as their small flower business, which provided their livelihood, could no longer operate.