Pastor Peter Mihalchiuk, a long-standing friend of SGA and Regional Co-ordinator in Moldova, saw the great need of medical care in rural areas and sensed an opportunity to minister to both body and soul.
Working alongside Christian doctors he organized teams of medical professionals who visit communities in North Moldova and across the border in Ukraine. They set up temporary clinics which local people attend free of charge. He recently sent the following ministry summary:
Slavic Gospel Association [UK] has been financially supporting the medical ministry in Ukraine and Moldova for several years. Together with Christian doctors from Ukraine, we visited hundreds of settlements where thousands of people received medical and spiritual assistance. Many people heard the news of Christ for the first time and accepted the Lord through this ministry.
Peter often travels with the team to preach and share the Gospel with those who attend the clinics. The team is always encouraged when physical help and healing are brought to their patients, but what thrills them most is people finding spiritual healing and salvation through their ministry and witness. He recalls the difficulties of a recent trip to Kherson:
A recent trip with Christian doctors to the Ukrainian city of Kherson was not easy. Passing through many checkpoints was time-consuming but necessary, as this city is on the front line of the war. Russian troops already stand on the other side of the Dnieper River. On our arrival we were met by a queue that had already formed in the corridors of the church.
Peter spoke to one lady at a clinic in Kherson. She opened up her heart and shared the deep hurt and sorrow she experienced:
“I'm Valentina and I am 50. I have many diseases. I don't even know where to start,” she said. Then I asked her to tell me what worries her the most, where does it hurt? She said: “My soul hurts me the most”. Tears appear in her eyes, “My husband died, the children left, I'm here all alone and no one needs me. Only believers help us.”
She went on to explain that it was impossible to get help for acute or chronic diseases. Another pointed out that the hospitals are located near the front line itself. There is constant shelling and people are simply afraid to go there. Many doctors left the city, and there was very little medicine readily available.
Over 500 people were admitted to the team’s medical clinic over two days. Everyone received a supply of medicines. But above all many heard about Jesus, the One who is mighty to heal the soul.
Pray for this medical team who are faithfully serving the Lord.