War brings grief to many—but also repentance

Eugene K.
SGA-Supported Missionary Pastor in Ukraine

There are not enough words to express the gratitude that overflows in my heart for all the help you give us. But especially grateful are people who have been left without work and income because of the war. And most significantly, many of them have been attending our church regularly lately, thanks to the food aid that you helped provide. 

For example, Vadym had buried his mother at the beginning of the war. Now he lives alone. He does not have a permanent job—only temporary employment. We met him when we visited his dying mother. We invited him first to the home group, then we invited him to church. And for over a year now, he has been regularly attending all church services and Bible study groups. He prays out loud now! He happily quotes memorized Bible verses and participates in all church activities. Pray that he will be able to be baptized this summer. 

Vadym shared his brief testimony:

For me, war is associated with my sincere repentance and fellowship with God. The war helped me to love the Word of God, to study it, to absorb it. I paid attention to the Bible because I had never felt such a thirst for God’s Word before. All the horrors that war brings cannot be explained in one phrase. There have always been wars. I am thankful to all of God’s faithful children who take care of us and fulfill this labor of love, providing us with food. I am thankful for the prayers that are carried to the throne of God. But Christians from abroad may not realize what a selfless and necessary ministry they are carrying out, perhaps saving someone’s life! I believe that God Himself is using good people now in this difficult time, and perhaps these people would never have known about their good qualities if there had been no war in Ukraine. May God reward in His grace to all who love us and who pray for our country!

Another woman named Liubov has been attending our church since the beginning of the war. Last year, she became a member of our church. Her family also has some financial difficulties because of the war. But she is grateful for the help we provide. These two are only a small part of the many people who are grateful for the help we have given them. Many would like to express it in person, but they were too hesitant to speak publicly. Dear friends, I would like to express my gratitude to you—you fulfill a special ministry . . . One who is gracious to a poor person lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his good deed (Proverbs 19:17).