From the Pastors of Ukraine

Update from Buddy, missionary

Below is [photos] from Pastor Pavelo in the Vinnitsa region. He is the head of the Pastor’s union for this part of Ukraine. In the background you will see some of the supplies that we brought to that area for distribution to refugees and displaced peoples that have come from Donestsk and Lugansk, Khakiv and Mariupol. You will also notice the people of the church working together to unload and store. Even the kids. Then in the other photos you see the refugees and displaced families coming to receive the goods at the church. The aid is not just given to believers, but is shared with anyone in need and is a wonderful tool for opening the door to share the Gospel and to share the love of God through His people. There is a network of communication in the area that lets them know a time to come…and they are always there. They are living in whatever places they can find at the moment. It is something to keep in mind and prayer since winter is coming and some of the places where they stay are without heat.

I have been impressed with the pastors across Ukraine. The churches have lost large portions of their people because of the war as they have left the country. However, I I know of none that have closed their doors or lost their hope. Many pastors are a part of their local militias and have already fought or are ready to fight when needed. There are churches in every region of the war zones that are still functioning and pastors are staying to lead the people who remain. Some of the guys that we partner with in taking supplies into the war zones are pastors themselves and risk their lives on every trip. It may be interesting for you to know that 90% of all of these pastors in Ukraine are not paid anything by their churches and do what they do to lead their church as laymen with full-time jobs in other fields of work.

I want you to know that I count them as worthy partners and you can be confident in our alliance with them. Pastor Pavelo represents them to you. He is a big bear of a guy, with a welcome smile and big beautiful beard. He has been in ministry for 50 years and his son is also a pastor in Vinnitsa area. You will not understand what he is saying unless you speak Ukrainian, but you can sense his spirit, I hope. He is simply saying that he and the people of Ukraine are grateful to you for your support of the people in their time of need. That the aid is given along with the gospel to all who receive it. He asks God’s blessings on those who have sent the support and a prayer for peace.

These scenes will continue as long as the war does. We will soon enter the seventh month of work here and much of the aid that was pouring into the country at the beginning of the war has stopped, as many of the humanitarian organisations and their people have left. Yet the needs remain and will increase as winter approaches. I also thank you again this week for every thought and prayer, and for your support.