‘The active fighting is taking place only 2 miles from Tonenke, so there is severe destruction in the village, including our House of Prayer that was destroyed. Many people have left the area for safer places for their lives.’
This was how SGA-sponsored missionary, Alex Radin, described the Donbas region where he and his wife continue to carry out Gospel ministry. While they are faithfully serving the Lord, their children are 750 miles away in a safe place.
Over the past few months, aid distribution to frontline villages has included food, household chemicals, medicines, candles, and gas power generators to enable people to charge their mobile phones. However, Alex is quick to point out that the key area of ministry is preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which they do primarily through Bible study groups, church services and street evangelism.
People here live in severe conditions. For almost a year these villages have had no electricity, water or gas and are constantly under shelling. Many have been wounded or have lost their lives, even among church members. Yet Alex continues with his frontline ministry. He could flee to his children and live together as a family with better security but for Alex, this is the place where God wants him to serve. He shares about God’s blessings:
There are people turning to Him in repentance during the church meetings, and some of them are now getting ready for believers’ baptism. My own sister and several church visitors God saved in recent months, and that is the greatest blessings I see.
Alex continues to provide aid and build relationships with people in order to lead them to the Saviour.
When asked for prayer requests he said: ‘For many more people during this difficult time to have their personal encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ. Secondly, for the situation in our country to change to allow us to take our children home, and to be close to them.’
Alex concluded his report: ‘Dear brothers and sisters, thank you very much for your prayers and financial support. It would be very difficult, if not impossible, for us to carry out the ministry in the frontline zone without you!
We would have to spend a lot of time on solving financial issues, if not for your constant financial support. You make it possible for us to spend more time to minister to people, and to be more effective.’
Pray for the 38 SGA-sponsored missionary familes in Ukraine, some displaced, and others continuing to serve under severe pressure.