Approximately three million people have fled Ukraine since the war began last month. But many of the devastated country’s people cannot leave or have chosen to remain — including SGA-supported Pastor Oleg and members of his congregation.  

In his most recent communication, Pastor Oleg shares how our brothers and sisters in Christ are serving people in need in whatever way their church can. He also expresses his gratefulness to the Lord and to caring and generous friends like you for helping to minister to the people of Ukraine. Here is his report…

Peace and grace to you, dear brothers and sisters in Christ! 

I sincerely thank the Lord for the opportunity to serve in such a difficult time for our country.  Thank you for your dedication, prayer, and financial support of our ministry. 

On February 24, we woke up in a completely different reality. Yes, we have been living in war conditions for eight years already, but when Russia began its intervention in our country, we did not expect this. As a church, we know that our ministry is to bring the Gospel to unsaved people. Today we preach the Gospel not only in word but also in deed. 

We live 240 kilometers southwest of [a Ukrainian city]. A lot of military men appeared in our area, only in the city there are five checkpoints. At this point, our area is quiet and many people travel through us further to western Ukraine or abroad. Therefore, we are ready to serve with what we have and with what we can. Already on the first day in our house we hosted a family from [a Ukrainian city], consisting of four people. In the church, a group of 13 people from [a Ukrainian city] was hosted for a day. Also, one family of six moved to live in an apartment rented by our other minister. He and his family moved into a church building. 

We also help people with evacuation. From us to the border with Poland there is 350 km. There is a great need for the evacuation of women, children, even the elderly. People are calling and asking to be taken out. We have only two cars, but we serve with what we have. 

With the onset of difficult times, the number of socially unprotected people has increased. These are elderly people, single mothers, large families. These days we collected funds and were able to purchase the necessary food and medicines for the needs of people. We are also grateful to God for the Compassion Ministry, that there is an opportunity to help people in need. One woman turned to us with a request that she had run out of all the products, and now there is no work, because she had worked in [a Ukrainian city]. She has two little children. We gladly gave her a food package. One local businessman grows mushrooms. He knows that we do volunteer work. It was pleasant that he gave 40 kg of these mushrooms for free, so that we could distribute them to needy people. I really admire how our people unite and help each other in grief. 

There is also evidence of God’s special mercy. Our brother Denis worked in a village 15 km from [a Ukrainian city]. On February 28, contact was lost with him. He could not leave or get home from this area. During four days there was no information from him. The church and all those who knew prayed that the Lord would save his life. On March 4, one of our brothers was able to contact with Denis. He is safe, he was hosted by some strangers. Now we are praying and thinking about how to send him home. 

We don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Every day our country is experiencing destruction and annihilation. Darkness is coming, there are many lies. But the truth will win, and we believe that the light of God’s protection and peace will shine. In the meantime, we remain in the struggle and ministry. Every day the need increases, because people do not have work, the fear of the future increases, the anxiety of children, despair increases. 

We hope, we believe, we pray for God’s guidance and protection. We will be grateful to you and the Lord for participation in the ministry in Ukraine. 

 In joint ministry, 

 Pastor Oleg  

In a time of great fear and uncertainty, God is bringing help, healing, and hope to the people of Ukraine through SGA-supported seminaries, pastors, churches, and Compassion Ministry. Be a part of God’s incredible work with your generosity and prayer support.  

Your gift of compassion helps struggling people with emergency aid that generally includes food, medicine, warm clothing, shoes, and Scripture materials.