Kharkiv Ministry – May 2025
May has come to an end. Each month brings more challenges than the last regarding the situation on the fronts. In May, the enemy attempted to attack Kharkiv and Sumy. While they failed in the Kharkiv region, they made significant gains in the Sumy region. Below, you can see a map showing how the territory of the Sumy region has changed in just one month. The Russians have managed to occupy several border villages and continue their offensive. This situation makes us anxious, as we understand that if the neighboring region falls, we risk being surrounded. We are closely monitoring the situation on the border, observing how the enemy advances day by day.
Unfortunately, this situation has enabled the enemy to use artillery, which is now reaching the city of Sumy. Today, there was a tragedy when artillery struck the city center, resulting in the deaths of 3 people and injuries to more than 15 others. We are greatly concerned that artillery could also target Kharkiv if the enemy continues to advance. Therefore, we ask for your prayers that the front remains strong and that our soldiers have the strength to withstand this assault.
Mercy Ministry Continues
Despite the horrors of death and destruction, we continue to bring the light of Christ into the world through our ministry of mercy. Every month, we assist people who find themselves in difficult circumstances due to the war. These individuals include those who have lost their homes and become refugees, older people, disabled individuals, and families with 3+ small children. We are grateful to everyone who continues to pray for and support this ministry financially. The photo shows our team of church volunteers, many of whom are refugees themselves, yet still help pack food bags every month.
I want to share the story of how this ministry has led people to Christ. Meet Vasily and Elena, who are from the Kharkiv region and initially lived right on the border with Russia. Until May 2024, their home remained intact despite their evacuation from Kharkiv. However, last year, the enemy reoccupied the border areas, completely destroying their house. We supported this family with food and other necessities during this period. As a result, they developed a strong friendship with our church and eventually accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Now that their home has been destroyed, they realize they can never return. For retirees, this is a significant blow. However, they remain undeterred. Vasily and Elena have decided to start a small farm in Western Ukraine, purchasing an abandoned house for $5,000. They provided $2,000 of their savings and requested the remainder in installments over five years. We bid them farewell with tears, grateful that they came to know Christ. We were pleased to assist them in moving to their new farm and provided them with a gas cylinder, a stove, an axe, a multicooker, pans, pots, and all the essentials to start anew. Unfortunately, their new house still lacks electricity and gas. We rejoice that through this ministry of mercy, people experience God's love and care and come to faith in Christ. Please remember Vasily and Elena in your prayers.
We also frequently work with individuals with disabilities, such as those with poor vision. The audio devices sent by our partners at Reformed Mission Service have been a great encouragement. These audio Bibles in Ukrainian and Russian provide those with sight impairments the opportunity to hear the Scriptures. We distribute these devices, enabling them to hear the Gospel and come to faith.
