Outlawed weapons destroyed the distribution centre

On 21 May 2023, the church building in Orikhiv was destroyed by direct artillery fire using phosphorous shells.  Such weapons are outlawed, yet they were used.  This church was used as a point of distribution for our aid.  New plans are being developed as the whole of the city is under assault.

Our field worker writes,

 ‘Dear friends and partners!

 Last night, May 21, the enemy attacked Orikhiv, Zaporizhzhia region. As a result of the attack, the building of the local church was totally burned down. This is the second time that Russian shelling has mercilessly destroyed this House of Prayer. A day earlier, on the night of May 16, the roof and walls of the church, as well as technical facilities, caught fire due to a hit.

 Now the church building has suffered irreparable damage. The enemy attacked Orikhiv with artillery and multiple rocket launchers, and also used prohibited incendiary munitions against residential areas. A total of 84 attacks were made on 18 frontline villages and towns in Zaporizhzhya region. We were there a few days ago with humanitarian aid. The population and church members who remain in Orikhiv need help and prayer support.

 Dmitry Matyukhin, head of the Social Service Committee of the Union of Baptist Churches.”

There is now a serious increase in the shelling and bombing, along with rocket and missile attacks.  The need will only grow.

Please pray for mercy and peace, and most of all for the Gospel sharing in such times.