SGA Update: South Ossetia

Dear Precious Partners in the Gospel,

I greet you in the matchless name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am writing today to give you an update on the current ministry to refugees from the conflict zone in South Ossetia. But first, I want to thank you for keeping this tragic situation in your prayers. I am also so thankful for those who responded with generous gifts, which are enabling evangelical churches across southern Russia to minister Christ’s love to these war-ravaged individuals and families. Your support is a tremendous encouragement to them.

I recently received new reports from Pastor Sergei Totiev in the Russian city of Beslan, and from Viktor Levashov, senior pastor for the Russian regions of Kabardino-Balkaria and Dagestan. Their churches are working tirelessly to help displaced individuals and families, including those who are hospitalized. Here are some excerpts, beginning with Pastor Levashov. . .

“I thank you again that you have sent Bibles, Christian books and funds for us to aid the refugees from South Ossetia. We have about 500 refugees at sanatoriums in Kabardino-Balkaria. These people have definite needs as they escaped the dangerous place only with the clothes on their backs and shoes on their feet. Tanya Guchmazova is one of the refugees. She took her infant grandson and fled to the basement of their house when the bombing started. Her daughter had her other 6-month-old grandson, but they didn’t have time to get into the basement and they disappeared. After staying several days in the basement, Tanya and her grandson were rescued and taken to Kabardino-Balkaria. She does not know what happened to her daughter and other grandson. They are missing.

“Juliet Kamisova is another who spent several days in the basement of the house. She said that when she left the basement, she saw a horrible sight — many murdered Ossetian people. Most horrible of all was seeing the bodies of several adults and children crushed by tanks. The people who saw these things were deeply shocked, and have been open to talk and pray with us.”

Here is a photograph of Tanya holding her precious grandson. We are thankful to the Lord that this heartbroken family is experiencing the loving care of God’s people at this tragic time in their lives.

Next, Pastor Sergei Totiev shared with me some of the refugees’ heartbreaking accounts . . .

“At the Batiev household, they took in a family of eight refugees. Among them was a 21-year-old young man with cerebral palsy. When shooting began, they thought that it would end, but they ended up fleeing South Ossetia. Even then, they didn’t think this would become a serious war. The grandmother and grandfather have now returned to Tskhinvali (South Ossetia’s capital). They discovered that their large home had been destroyed, with only the barn remaining. That means Laima — the mother of the young man — cannot return because of her son’s condition. Their home must be rebuilt first.

“In Gizel, members of the local church took in five women whose husbands remained behind in Tskhinvali. They had been accustomed to crossfire, which was often heard, but never guessed that a war would start. Artillery shelling began, and they were often frightened and hid in their cellar. They were warned that the troops would drown anyone who stayed in the basements by exploding the water mains. Their house was shelled, but should be inhabitable with repairs. Another family from Dmenis thanks God that no one in their family perished. The children said that they truly believed in God and were trusting in His blessings.”

This is just a brief glimpse into the faithful, dedicated ministry being performed by our brothers and sisters in this war-torn, hostile region. Similar ministry is ongoing in other Russian regions where huge influxes of refugees have gone.

Be assured that we will update you again as soon as we have an assessment about continuing needs. In the meantime, your continued prayers for the refugees and for those ministering to them would be greatly appreciated. Pray that many precious, suffering souls would give their hearts to Christ. And please continue to pray with us for a speedy resolution to this tragic situation.

Thank you again for all that you have done, and continue to do for the glory of Christ.