VOLODYMYR B., PASTOR & PROGRAM MANAGER
Like all Ukrainians, the war for me started in 2014, when Russians and Russian-backed terrorists occupied Crimea and parts of Lugansk and Donetsk region. Since then, this war became the pain – but also the passion – of my heart. Proverbs 24:11 says, “Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.”
I will always remember the first weeks of full-scale war, when thousands needed to be evacuated because Russian troops purposefully destroyed our towns & villages, and the civilians who lived there, and we were doing our best to help as many people as possible get out of that horror.
One time, we were evacuating small children from one of the orphanages in the East. The route was dangerous due to constant shelling. There wasn’t enough space in the bus for everyone, so each person had a terrified child or infant on their lap, trying to comfort them. For me, that was a metaphor of our whole country – our future that we are desperately trying to save from the hellfire.
During this time in particular, the faith of each Christian must be backed up by good deeds. We are witnessing a huge need for such deeds – and a huge need for God’s light to be poured out on people: on the families who have lost loved ones, on people who no longer have a place to live, on those who have become injured or disabled by the war, on those who are suffering from the traumatic experiences they’ve endured ... the list is long indeed. It is a big challenge but also a great opportunity for all the people who can help.
During the first three months of war, all our churches and the Mission office welcomed many displaced people, both Christians and unbelievers. That was a good time to demonstrate in a practical way our love & care for them. They stayed in our houses and felt the warmth of our love. We helped many with transport costs, as they continued on to other parts of Europe or returned home again once their towns or villages were liberated.
I’ve never seen such a mighty rise of solidarity in Ukraine. It was as though the whole nation acted as one. The reality of war proved very vividly that life is uncertain and fragile, and we should always be ready to stand before God and give an account of our lives. Many people became closer to God by spending more time in His Word and by continually praying for His protection, provision, and deliverance.
Needless to say, prayer support is vital. Prayers will keep our hands strong and able to work. I am extremely grateful to all our friends from abroad who continuously support us. Your help has had an incredible impact in our situation.