Pastor Olexander shares a heart-wrenching testimony about SGA’s ministry in Ukraine and how the ministry workers continue to share The Good News with children and families who have suffered from so much pain and despair, like the family you will read about below.
This family also received compassionate food aid and other necessities from SGA, for which they are very grateful to you! They’ve heard about Jesus, have been shown the truth, and were given their very first copy of the New Testament.
In August 2023, a Christian children’s camp was held in one of the villages in Central Ukraine. There is no evangelical church in this village and there has never been one. Therefore, it was very important for the believers to bring the living Word of God to the locals through these children.
The local authorities kindly provided the House of Culture and the surrounding area, which was perfect for such an activity. The director of the House of Culture, Mrs. Iryna, actively promoted the camp and helped the Christians as much as possible during all the days of its work. Her daughter and son were also among the 50 children who attended the camp every day with great joy.
One day, when the camp leader asked the children who had relatives at war, about 15 children raised their hands, including Iryna’s children. Their father, Yury, was mobilized to the war on June 22, 2023, and at that time he was undergoing military training. About a month after the camp ended, Iryna’s family received the tragic news that her husband was killed on September 9, defending Ukraine. In the morning of the same day, Iryna wrote him a text message saying: “Good morning, darling!” It was at 8:15 in the morning, and at 8:25 her beloved’s life was cut short.
An enemy mine exploded right next to 35-year old Yury. It was his first fight with the enemy and it was the last one. Iryna was informed about her husband’s death only three days later, but on the day of his death, she suddenly felt bad — she felt a strong internal anxiety and in the next few days she couldn’t sleep.
His body was brought home only on September 20, and when he was escorted to the cemetery, the villagers knelt on the side of the road honoring their hero.
Unfortunately, the young wife lost her beloved husband, the 14-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son lost their loving father. Yury’s mother also lost her son. And the most important thing. The unborn child, who is now under Iryna’s grieving mother’s heart and is due to be born soon, will never see his father again.
P.S. Recently, this family also received food aid and other necessities from SGA, for which they are very grateful to you! They’ve heard about Jesus, we shared the truth with them and gave them a New Testament.
In a time of great uncertainty, God is bringing help, healing, and hope to the people of Ukraine through SGA-supported pastors, churches, a seminary, and SGA-sponsored 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 Scripture materials, food, and hygiene supplies.