So often in our lives we see God do what is unexpected. His plans, purposes, and timing are not our own as Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us . . . For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.
How wonderful, then, is it to hear that He is changing and blessing lives in a Ukrainian village where it seemed like ministry might end! The war has brought much destruction to this community, and so many have left. But today God is bringing spiritual growth and a new way forward. Read more from an SGA-supported pastor’s encouraging report . . .
Greetings from our church in the Zaporizhzhia region.
Our church was founded in 1997. The first meetings were held in the village House of Culture, where a lot of people (adults and children) would come. But over time, they stopped coming. In 2002, we bought a new building where we continued to have services and to this day.
With the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine, it was difficult morally, in some cases spiritually and practically. Some church members began to leave, and for those who remained, especially the younger ones, the Lord prepared a new ministry that none of those involved expected. We have started receiving humanitarian aid (food, clothing, diapers, etc.) that was brought to us from Zaporizhzhia. The ministers began to actively distribute humanitarian aid to villagers and people who came to us as IDPs. The people who needed help the most were families with many children, families with children from 0 to 3 years old, single pensioners and mothers, internally displaced persons, and those in difficult life circumstances.
During the distribution of aid, we conducted evangelism with an invitation to come to the church so that people could learn more about God’s love and mercy for all people. The church began to fill up not only with adults but also with children. Since we had suspended Sunday school due to the lack of children, the question of its renewal arose, and the “Future” club began to work in the church. Among the children who attend these classes are many displaced children. Our purpose and mission is to support them emotionally, to show them God’s love for them and that He will never leave them in the most difficult times of their lives.
Translation: “Thank you so much for the food aid!”
The adults who come to our services repent of their sins and are willing to pray to God sincerely. In 2023, we had nine people who joined our church family through baptism. We thank the Lord for the salvation of these people!
We also thank God for this difficult, but so fruitful time that we can be used by Him. We thank the Lord for inspiring you, our friends, for supporting us with such care and prayer! Thank you for your love and help! May the Lord bless you richly!
Sincerely,
Pastor of the church