SGA’s funding of Houses of Prayer continues to be a practical expression of Gospel partnership.
One such example is a newly replanted church in the city of Novoukrainka, Ukraine. Originally a thriving church in the 1950s, the Communist authorities acted against this fellowship, and tragically, resulted in the church practically ceasing to exist.
This situation continued for many years until believers from a neighbouring town began to assist in restoring the witness of the church. In a further development, a couple called Roman and Natalai Nagovitsyn were sent to the city to evangelize.
Thanks to their combined efforts, a new group has been established. While still small, the church has been described by other leaders as ‘alive and dynamic, where people are keen to share their faith’.
The new Church
One practical issue has been causing severe problems. The building rented by the believers is in an isolated location where there is no public transport. This has become an obstacle to effective Gospel ministry, so the church began to pray and raise money, as they looked for a new building that would be more central. Wonderfully, such a building became available in an ideal location, but the church had insufficient funds to complete the purchase. A trusted partner contacted SGA, requesting help. The Mission is grateful that funds were available to help purchase and refurbish the building.
Commenting on this situation, Pastor Igor Bandura wrote,
“Thanks for the funds raised by the brothers and sisters, as well as significant help provided by SGA, a building was purchased… [and will be] transformed for the needs of a growing ministry. There is a strong hope that the purchase of this house will be a blessing in the spiritual and quantitative growth of the church”.
We rejoice that another building has been acquired for worship. We trust that this building will be ‘stones that speak’ of a living, God glorifying church in the community!