SGA-supported Pastor Eugene recently sent this encouraging ministry report . . .
Since the beginning of the war, due to shelling and the threat of occupation of our territories, most of our church members have fled our region. Mostly the elderly people remained in our church—my wife and I with our four teenage children, and the family of one of our deacons with three little children. In the first days of the war, all the stores were empty, even bread was hard to buy. And when there were any products in the stores, huge crowds of people would line up. Then everyone was actively searching for food. Through other churches, God made it possible to bring food to our church.
There was another problem at that time. All the gas stations had been blown up, and there was no fuel to go to other areas to get food. I remember standing in line for days at a gas station to get fuel and to go to [another] region to visit my friend, who is a pastor as well. And in three days we had enough fuel and drove [this region] and brought three tons of products from there to our church. When we started distributing food to people in the church, the word spread rapidly through our small town of 20,000 people, and people began coming to the church. At first, they came only for food. Then, they came to stay in the worship service and listen to God’s Word.
Last summer, after Easter, there were so many people at the church worship service that there was not enough space in the House of Prayer for all of them. We had to put chairs and benches outside and there were even more people outside than could fit in the House of Prayer. We tried to find ways to bring food, medicine and clothes to the church to give to people who needed help. But as time passed less food was coming to our area, we distributed it less often and not as many people were coming as before. But new people started coming to the meetings despite the fact that we were announcing that we would not be giving out food packages. During this time quite a few people responded to the invitation to repent and they came out and prayed the prayer of repentance. But not all of them are going to be baptized. I think it’s a process. And the fact that they continue to be interested in attending church services, says that the process of turning their hearts to God is going on. Praise Him!
From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for your help with the food aid. Lately because of the small number of humanitarian shipments we have had, we have hardly been able to give out any food. Thanks to you we are once again able to serve these people. And the most valuable thing is the grateful hearts of the people who thank not only us, but also God for the grace shown to them! And I believe that God has also prepared a special blessing for you for your love and generosity in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Pastor Eugene
Translation:
I want to sincerely thank those whom the Holy Spirit moves and opens their hearts to help us with food. May the Lord repay a hundredfold those people who do not forget us and help us.
Translation:
Thank you all for your help and care. May God grant you with good health and a peaceful sky above your heads…
Translation:
Thank you all! Thank you so much and may the Lord reward you for all you do!
Distributing the food aid.
Translation:
Thank you so very much for this food help and may the Lord bless you all!
Translation:
I thank my Lord and thank you, my friends, brothers and sisters for your help…
Translation:
Thank you so much and thank the Lord for you all who help us and reward you for your generosity and your kindness.
Translation:
Thank you so much for your donations, for your help and may the Lord Himself bless you in your good deeds. THANK YOU!
Translation:
Many thanks for your sacrifice. I am so thankful to my Lord and you for everything!
Translation:
Thank you, dear people. We are so thankful for your help, for your donations, for your attention, and care. Thank you so much and our hearts are full of thanks!
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, medicine, warm clothing, and shoes.