Oleh S. is a Coordinator with Mission Without Borders and Pastor of a local church in Kramatorsk. This is his reflection as the war continues and the impact it has had on him, his family, and his work.

Our life has dramatically changed. Many fled to western Ukraine or EU countries. My family went to Lviv (in the west of Ukraine) and I'm glad now to be more busy as a coordinator for the Mission and pastor of the local church. I can devote more time for those in need.

Russian troops are some 50 km from our towns (Kramatorsk, Sloviansk) and they shell the towns frequently, forcing us to spend a lot of time in bomb shelters (one I set up in the basement of our church). We still have services in a church, however, they are shorter and we mostly pray and listen to the sound of sirens after which we quickly go to the basement.

There is a food shortage in our area, suppliers say their warehouses are empty and there is no possibility to deliver and replenish their stock. Families live on what they have in their store cupboards and from the minimum that they can still buy in shops. I spend lots of time on the phone and visiting our families and the needy from the church, to keep their spirits up and read an encouraging Bible verse for them and to pray with them.