A few days following the all-out invasion of Ukraine, Pastor Igor Bandura joined us from Lviv, for our first zoom update, having fled with his family from their home in Irpin. It was hoped that this war would end within weeks but unfortunately that has not happened. Subsequently, Igor shared with us on many occasions outlining the situation that engulfed his country.
Time has moved on and yet from a human perspective the outlook for Ukraine is indeed dark and grim. The unrelenting pressure generated by uncertainty and fear, creates many emotional and psychological casualties, just as the brutal conflict results in horrible injuries and death.
To help keep you updated, Igor has collated information to share with you. Thank you for being part of our support base for Ukraine. We are grateful to Igor for sending through the following update and prayer topics.
1. Daily blackouts
The energy industry of Ukraine is in a critical state. Due to the Russian shelling, we have lost 50% of our power generation capacity. We don’t know how we’ll get through this summer and how to prepare for the next winter. Pray for God’s guidance, wisdom for the government, support of partners, and the Church’s understanding of how to act in these circumstances.
Up to ten regions of Ukraine suffer from daily intense shelling. Others risk being affected by the “incoming shelling” at any moment.
Sumy, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson regions are under constant threat of repeated offensive and occupation. Fierce fighting is ongoing in the Donetsk region. Luhansk region is almost entirely under Russian control.
2. Front-line ministry
Despite the difficult challenges, churches in these regions continue to minister, show creativity and innovation, spread the Good News and witness people coming to faith in Jesus. They provide humanitarian and emotional assistance to the local population.
Recently, a conference for children and adolescent ministers was held very close to the front-line in Kharkiv, where there is constant shelling and casualties among civilians. This work is currently extremely necessary in this region, because there are still many children who do not have the opportunity to attend school, play outside, or go to children developmental clubs.
Pray for a ceasefire in these regions, strength and vision for the ministers of the local churches and the repentance of the people.
3. Rehabilitation and spiritual support
Daily news about the deaths of soldiers at the front is a reality in every Ukrainian city and village. On our streets, we meet people with amputations, injuries, and signs of PTSD every day. Churches minister to the families of the fallen, some are already planning and implementing the establishment of veteran centres, organizing events and trips for families and children of military personnel.
This month, the graduation of the first chaplaincy school “Warrior’s Heart” took place in Irpin. Almost fifty people successfully completed the 9-month training. Most of them already practice chaplaincy — they are full-time chaplains, visit soldiers at the front, in stabilization points, hospitals, and are involved in the ministry to soldiers, veterans and their families.
4. The Missionary Association of the Ukrainian Evangelical Christian-Baptist churches in Europe
Almost 4.3 million citizens of Ukraine have temporary shelter in Europe due to Russian aggression. The war extended our ministry to Ukrainians outside the country. Currently, there are more than 150 Ukrainian churches and groups in 17 European countries. These are only those with whom we are in close cooperation.
Seeing the need to minister to the refugees from Ukraine, we created the Missionary Association of the Ukrainian Evangelical Christian-Baptist churches in Europe (MAUCE), recently.
5. Caring for pastors
Today, the Evangelical Leaders of Ukraine hold regular pastoral retreats, providing ministers with ministry tools and answering many questions. For example, how can a pastor renew and develop his spiritual work with small resources?
The importance of mission and discipleship are pointed out as the key priority in a pastor’s ministry. The format of the retreats contributes to openness and accountability, and in general to the development of ministry.
Pray for us:
- Pray for the adaptation of the military to peaceful life, professional support for them, readiness to accept and support them, the salvation of their souls and consolation for the families of fallen soldiers.
- Pray for the Gospel workers who minister to their fellow citizens abroad. May they know God’s guidance in this ministry, the repentance of the people and the establishment of the association’s work.
- Pray that God will stop the lawlessness and the war in Ukraine. That a just peace will come to Ukraine.
- May His love heal all the wounds of Ukrainians. We believe that God will surely reveal His glory and justice.
We thank you for standing with us around the world. We see the daily presence of God through your prayers and help.
With special prayers, we thank God for each of you and your support. You are by our side in our difficulties and remain active participants in our work and spiritual warfare.
While the war is prolonged and aggressive the resulting needs are mounting. With your commitment SGA is sending fresh support to faithful missionary pastors who are reaching out to the most vulnerable in society.
SGA has received the following requests for support which with God’s provision, we will seek to provide.
- Emergency Support for Missionary Pastors
Fifty displaced pastors require financial help to sustain their families while continuing in ministry. - Summer Camps
SGA sponsored missionaries are providing camps for children who are facing uncertainty and traumatic circumstances. House parents of Grace Shelter orphans wish to take the children away from Odessa for a camp in western Ukraine where there is peace. - Widows
The number of widows is increasing due to the war. Through your support, the evangelical churches in Ukraine are provided essential supplies. God’s love and care demonstrated in this way is bringing eternal blessings. - New Frontline Ministry
Zaporizhzhia region is in south-east Ukraine. Most of the area has been under Russian military occupation since 2022, although the capital with most of the population remains under Ukrainian control.
Viktor Kostenko who lives 20km from the frontline with his wife and three young children is coordinating projects that are providing vital supplies such as bottled water from deep wells in his region. Reliable transportation is vital for the team of ten delivering aid. Finance will be provided for car and mini-bus repairs as well as funding the team.
