Ukraine (MNN) — In the last few days, Russia has carried out a series of destructive attacks on Ukraine. The Dnipropetrovsk region and neighboring Zaporizhzhia plunged into darkness, while the Kyiv and Lviv regions were heavily hit by drones and ballistic missiles.
Eric Mock with Slavic Gospel Association says: “Some of the destruction that is happening Ukraine is far greater than anything they’ve experienced since the onset of the war.”
Russia is pressing on the frontlines, where defenders are holding, while also terrorizing civilians. Winter weather is part of the strategy. “Electrical substations are being targeted. Heat generation facilities are being targeted. Civilian infrastructure is being targeted as a result,” says Mock.
Ukrainian couple reunites during war (photo courtesy of Dmitry Zvolskiy via Pexels)
With temperatures dropping to 5°F and below, people are searching for ways to stay warm. “This is when our bodies become weaker or more susceptible to catching viruses and getting sick, and so that is a certain reality,” he explains.
SGA is responding by equipping local churches with wood, coal, pellets, and generators. Some people come to churches for warmth and shelter, while others ask the church to come to them.
“The church begins to reach out to these homes to provide them wood, coal and other needs,” says Mock, adding that heat is not the final goal. Hope is.
Even with warmth, fear and the stress of war remain. This is where believers step in with news of lasting value. Mock says:
“The way to navigate through that [despair] is through the power of the Gospel, the hope that we have in Christ. We aren’t surrounded by unending darkness with no answer forward. We have the light of the Gospel to lead us forward.”
The Gospel helps churches shine in the darkness, and that’s the goal behind every effort. In fact, even in the middle of war, more churches are starting. “Where there’s aid centers, there are now churches,” he says.
Meanwhile, the frontlines are straining defenders. “They’re the ones that are suffering the most, and by God’s grace, they’re the ones that are most open to the truth of the Gospel,” adds Mock.
Pray that believers use their resources wisely and share the Gospel boldly. Visit Slavic Gospel Association to learn more about their work in Ukraine.
Header representative photo: Yellow excavator digging rubble of a ruined house in Kyiv (courtesy of Ales Ustinau via Pexels).
