Taken from a report by Pastor Roman Vecherkovsky, SGA Regional Co-ordinator [Ukraine]
With the continuing war in Ukraine and the rising death toll associated with it, many are looking for protection and finding it in churches, where they are warmly welcomed by believers who share the Gospel with them. As a result, thousands of previously unchurched people are repenting of their sins, trusting alone in Jesus Christ, and asking to be baptized. This far exceeds what was witnessed in times of peace.
Despite the horrors of war, the ongoing conflict has caused the barriers that once existed between believers and nonbelievers to be broken down. Those outside the church no longer see those inside as aloof or unapproachable, and fellowships that once, perhaps, were too inward looking, have taken advantages of opportunities afforded them to show the love of God by providing practical help to those in their local community who were in such desperate need.
Even so, the pressure on the churches is intense, but with prayer and financial support of SGA partners and others, not only have many people been converted and cared for, but the church has also become stronger and more resilient too. There remains, though, a great need for more individuals who can minister the Good News of Jesus Christ. This is partly due to the increased interest in the Gospel and partly because many who once served in the church have either fled Ukraine or been called up to fight for their country. It is hoped that pastors will one day be exempted from military service so that churches will be better able to offer the spiritual care which is as necessary in wartime as it is in time of peace.
Pray for an end to this war and a just peace. Pray for the church too – that it would be equipped to minister the Gospel, not only in these troubled times, but long after the fighting finally comes to an end.