I have never been interested in God
In this time of war in Ukraine, many are walking through the doors of churches seeking answers to questions that have remained unanswered. The obvious initial questions are simply, “Where will the next meal come from?” or “Where will I lay my head tonight?” But then, deeper questions begin to surface.
As these Internally Displaced People deal with the loss of homes, food and loved ones, many are finding answers in our one true God. Many SGA supported churches have become a refuge and safe place. And most importantly, they have become lifesaving stations for the many lost souls who are searching for meaning and peace.
In these churches, they hear of hope in Jesus Christ. A hope, that even in the darkest of circumstances, remains a beacon of light. A light that can be trusted and followed as they continue to maneuver through the crashing waves of war.
Please continue to pray for the pastors and their congregations who are providing “life preservers” to those in need through provision of aid and the Gospel.
Pray also for the many hearts that are being saved daily and that they will become true followers of Christ.
Here is a testimony from Alexandra (pictured)…
“My name is Alexandra. I am 62 years old. I am from the suburbs of Kharkiv. It so happened that after school I had to go to military service. My parents were also in the military. Because where we lived at the time, there were few options: to go far away from home to study or to go to the military. So, I spent my whole life in the army. My husband died very early. I was left alone with three boys. It was obvious that life was not easy for us, but I tried my best to put my sons on their feet and give them what children in full families had.
When the war started, we got under fire directly. On February 24, 2022, at 9 a.m., all three of my sons were at the military office. The older ones volunteered back in 2014, but were wounded and stayed at home. This time all three went. For two and a half years now, all my sons have been defending our homeland. They have been on vacation only a few times over the years. Very often I have no contact with them for a whole week. But I am incredibly proud of them! They are real heroes! People on whom our nation stands!
Now I am displaced and must live in Poltava, because our house is destroyed and uninhabitable. Here I was invited to the church as the IDP. As a mother of three soldiers, I am very grateful to the pastor for the fact that every Sunday we all pray together for our soldiers! These prayers give me peace in my heart for at least a few hours because my heart is always breaking with anxiety about my children! Later I was invited to a Bible study group on Tuesdays. Here I find answers to many of my questions. I have never been interested in God, because since my childhood I was taught that God does not exist. However, today I can say for sure that I repented, and the Lord has completely changed my life! I still have a lot of progress to make, but I have decided that I will follow Jesus!
Last month I was baptized! This decision was very hard, but also very conscious! I hope the Lord will give me some more time to serve Him! Now I live in a dormitory, but even in the common kitchen I try to feed the physically and spiritually affected people like myself every week: I bake pies, make crisps, and make dumplings. In a word, I try to cheer up those who are having a hard time. I also want to have a ministry related to the kitchen in the church if the Lord allows.
Thank you for the food aid! I especially appreciate the flour, sugar, and oil – they are my first helpers in baking! And special thanks for the meat stew! I can’t buy meat on my limited pension! Thank you to everyone who blesses us so much! And first of all, I thank God for His care through people!”
Poltava Region, Ukraine
Missionary Pastor Ministry
