David Blazhkun has a problem with his hearing but he loves the sound of the Gospel and can be heard sharing it weekly as he pastors the church in Belozerka, a town in the Kherson region of Ukraine. Once the owner of a small furniture manufacturing business that was destroyed as a consequence of the war, he has temporarily been forced to take up residence in Odessa where he works as a courier in order to provide for his two small children.
Every Sunday he makes the 125 mile trip from Odessa to lead a service for the believers in Belozerka. Then he makes the long journey back home, stopping to minister to a group of non-believers whom he visits in a neighbouring village along the way. David also spends considerable time teaching a group of teenagers and young people in Odessa, as it is too dangerous for him to spend time with them in Belozerka, such is the constant shelling.
David’s hard work has been worth it, with many new people now attending the church. Despite all its accompanying noise, the war hasn’t been able to drown out the sound of the good news of Jesus nor will it ever. Like the Apostle Paul, David is not ashamed of the Gospel. He believes it is the power of God for salvation to all who believe [Romans 1:16].
David is one of the fifty missionary pastors to whom SGA has provided significant emergency funding. Pray that all these faithful servants of God will be kept safe and strong.
