One of the great privileges of our work is meeting and supporting other faithful teams who are serving those in need, not only meeting practical and emotional needs, but also sharing the hope of the gospel in some of the hardest places on earth.
On the 26th October, our friend and partner Pastor Oleg Tsykra and his team travelled to two villages, Yurivka and Snihurivka, located around 15 miles from the front line in eastern Ukraine. Despite the danger, they went with the purpose of preaching Christ and caring for those who are suffering.
Oleg shared the gospel and his personal testimony, and we rejoice that several people repented and turned to Christ. The team also distributed over 250 food kits, around 5,500 kilograms of food aid, to local families. They expressed deep gratitude for the prayers and support that made this mission possible, saying that they truly felt God’s sustaining power during this difficult time.
The very next day, we received an update from another trusted team in Sumy, who shared that farmers from the local church have been attacked while trying to harvest their crops. Despite their courage and protective measures, only about 15% of the crop has been safely gathered. Equipment has been damaged, and some workers have been injured, yet even amidst this hardship, the team continues to serve faithfully.
Our contacts in Sumy also distributed Tena pads and other essential supplies to both people visiting the church and displaced individuals from the Donetsk region, who expressed gratitude for the aid and encouragement they received.
The following day, believers from the churches in Sumy divided into two ministry teams. The first group visited the villages of Kamyanka, Romashkove, and Neplyueo, preaching the gospel to around 100 people. The second group visited a home for the disabled in the town of Voronezh, where they held a church service in the town centre and spent time with residents. They also visited a sister in Christ who is bedridden, sharing Scripture and prayer not only with her but with others in the ward who listened to the truth of the gospel.
The team wrote to express their deep thankfulness for the support that enables them to continue ministering in these challenging conditions.
Reflection
In these reports, we see the beauty of the gospel in action, faith that perseveres, hope that endures, and love that reaches out even in danger. It’s a vivid reminder that God’s people are never powerless, even in the most desperate circumstances.
As Scripture says,
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain.”
1 Corinthians 15:58
May we continue to pray for these faithful servants, that God would strengthen their hands, protect their hearts, and use their witness to bring many more to Himself.
Links
🔗 Ballynahinch Baptist Church (BBC) – https://www.ballynahinchbaptist.org/
Our thanks to Ballynahinch Baptist Church for kindly providing storage space and facilities for courier shipments. Their generosity and partnership behind the scenes make so much of this ministry possible.