A significant portion of Israel’s population includes Russian-speaking people—many of whom arrived over decades as refugees, including a more recent wave fleeing war in Ukraine. Now, in a time of war with Iran, these same families find themselves facing new uncertainty and danger.

Yet through it all, the Lord continues to work through faithful, local churches as they care for practical needs and point people to Christ.

Through the generosity and prayers of SGA partners, congregations are able to provide Compassion Ministry support—such as groceries and household supplies—while also strengthening relationships and opening doors for the Gospel. One such testimony comes from Pavel, an SGA-supported missionary pastor.

His report offers a firsthand glimpse into daily life, ministry, and the ways God is at work even in the midst of hardship. Below is Pastor Pavel’s report:

Shalom, dear friends.

Thank you for your prayers for Israel and for your support during this difficult time. At first glance, if you go outside, it may seem as if nothing has changed. Stores are open, cars are driving, and sometimes you can even see children playing on the playground. But there is a sense of tension in the air. People are ready at any moment, if a siren sounds, to run to the nearest shelter.

Sirens sound several times a day. Those who have a reinforced safe room in their apartment have it easier. It is more difficult for those whose shelter is a public bomb shelter in the basement of a building without an elevator. If the sirens go off several times during the night, it becomes very hard to carry sleeping children back and forth. Because of this, some families spend the night directly in the shelters.

Sleep is constantly interrupted, and the next day people often feel weak and exhausted. Some continue to work, and some travel long distances to their jobs at their own risk. There are no shelters along the highways, and the blast wave could reach them. Many people are unable to work because businesses are closed until the war ends.

Children are studying online, but the quality of education is much lower. Only a small portion of the lessons are being held, and many classes have been canceled. There are no kindergartens for younger children, so parents have to stay home with them.

Despite all this, people continue to live their lives. Even though there is stress, many are trying to remain optimistic and keep themselves busy with daily activities.

In the photo, Natan is celebrating his fifth birthday in a public bomb shelter.

At times like this, it is very encouraging to realize that we are not alone and that Christians from different countries are praying for us and blessing us. God has touched the hearts of our brothers and sisters, and they donated funds for food packages and household supplies. These were distributed to members of the church and their families, as well as to some unbelieving friends.

People who normally do not need assistance were very grateful to receive such a gift this time, because right now things are not going smoothly for many families.

In the photo are Dima and Anya.

Sister Anna has been unable to work. They recently had a baby boy who suffered a birth injury. His feet are severely deformed. He has already had surgery, and he will need special treatments for at least another year. Only her husband, Dima, is able to work at the moment. They were very grateful to receive this help.

In the photo is Rustam with his family in a bomb shelter during a rocket attack.

Rustam has been regularly attending our church for more than a year together with his wife and three daughters. They are new immigrants to Israel. They first met members of our church at a sports playground, and before that they had never had close contact with Christians. Now they pray, sing Christian songs, and have begun to think more deeply about God.

Recently we entrusted Rustam with funds to purchase groceries for several families, and he successfully organized both the shopping and distribution. He showed himself to be a good volunteer and organizer and has become involved in this ministry. He asked people from our church who live in his city what they needed, bought the items according to their lists, and delivered them to their homes.

It is a great joy to see how new believers grow in faith and begin to take responsibility in serving others.

In the photo: Neo, Ilya, and Pavel.

Rustam, Neo,  and Ilya have been attending our Bible lessons for teenagers for more than a year. Their mother, Enia, has also started coming to church. Her husband, Pavel, attends church on holidays.

The whole family is still on their journey toward God, but there has been significant progress in their understanding of Him. They enjoy studying the Scriptures and singing Christian songs. They also expressed their gratitude for the food assistance, saying that it has been a great support for them during this time.

Thank you for your participation in the ministry of helping Israel. May the Lord bless you and reward you a hundredfold.

Respectfully,
Pavel