The paradox of the war in Ukraine continues to be the expanding light in the midst of expanding darkness. As you read through testimonies shared by SGA-supported Pastor Eugene in his ministry report below, notice what a displaced Ukrainian named Vadym writes.

“For me, the war is associated with my sincere repentance and fellowship with God,” Vadym says. “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.”

Through your generosity and prayer support, you are equipping churches like Eugene’s to reach suffering Ukrainians like Vadym with emergency supplies and the hope of the Gospel. Praise God to see how He continues adding to the Kingdom!

Read more from Eugene . . .

Dear co-workers who are building up the Church of Jesus Christ.

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. Many of them have been attending our church regularly lately, thanks to the food aid that we give them because of you.

For example, Vadym had buried his mother at the beginning of the war. Now he lives alone. He does not have a permanent job, so he has temporary earnings. 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 would be able to be baptized this summer.

Another woman whose name is 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 you should see how grateful she is for the help we provide. This is only a small part of the many people who are grateful for the help we have given them . . .

Dear friends, I would like to express my gratitude to you saying that you fulfill a special ministry, helping people who, due to the war, unfortunately found themselves in such a situation. As the Apostle Paul said in his time and it is written for us in the Bible . . . only that we remember the poor, which I also tried to fulfill exactly (Gal.2:10) So you fulfill this important ministry, for which the Lord, I believe, will reward you in a special way.

He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack; But he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse (Proverbs 28:27).

He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; For he giveth of his bread to the poor (Proverbs 22:9).

Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his kindness (Proverbs 19:17).

Sincerely,
Eugene
Pastor of the church

Testimony #1—Vadym

For me, the war is an association 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. And in the Old Testament, we read how many wars there were. But God has His plan for His children, so we read and know that His children are not from the world, but we—like all sinful people—are going through this journey.

I am thankful to all of our faithful God’s children who take care of us and do 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 victory for our country. 

Testimony #2—Liubov

God is guiding our people in a special way. There are many tears, loss of life, and blood, but He is with us even in these sufferings. I often think about David’s words: I have been young, and now am old; Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his seed begging bread. All the day long he dealeth graciously, and lendeth; And his seed is blessed.

We are refugees. Our daughter suffered a severe stroke during the war. Her hands are not working. It is impossible to get a job. She and her son (our grandson) live with us, we take care of them. My husband and I are pensioners, but we take care of all our living expenses. God is good and merciful. He never leaves us. We have never needed bread ,and this is only thanks to Him and to wonderful friends who do not forget about us, do not forget about our country and help so much with food and prayers. Many and heartfelt thanks to my Lord for you, dear friends!

In a time of great uncertainty, God is bringing help, healing, and hope to the people of Ukraine through SGA-supported pastors, churches, a seminary and SGA-supported Compassion Ministry. Be a part of God’s incredible work with your generosity and prayer support.

Your gift of compassion helps struggling people with emergency aid that generally includes Scripture materials, food, and hygiene supplies.