Update from Ukraine
It was so good to pray with you all this Sunday about the war in Ukraine. As a denomination, Sovereign Grace has a relationship with ARK Church and their pastor Michael in Dnipro, Ukraine.
Jeff Purswell, the Director of Theology and Training for Sovereign Grace, has been in communication with Michael. Jeff said that prior to the invasion, the ARK Church was storing up supplies and hosting first aid training for caring for those wounded in military conflict. Since the invasion began, the church has hosted a steady stream of refugees in its building, and Michael, through uncertainty, tears, and desperate prayers, has been faithfully caring for his people, other pastors, and believers in other cities.
Below is a note and prayer points Jeff received from Michael a week prior to the start of the war:
Dear Jeff, thank you very much for your concern and prayers.
Indeed, now all people in Ukraine are talking about the war.
Basically, these are more pragmatic conversations, rather than emotional ones.
There is no panic, because Ukraine has been at war for more than eight years.
We are used to news about the bombing, deaths, injuries, refugees, humanitarian aid.
Only now everything is much more serious, because many thousands of Russian soldiers are standing at the borders of Ukraine.
Ukrainians make decisions about what to do in the event of a full-fledged war.
Almost half of our church members will leave for the West of Ukraine or other European countries. Basically, it is youth and middle age. Elderly people will remain in Ukraine.
My wife and I stay in Ukraine under any conditions to take care of people.
Pastors of our church console and encourage our people, we urge them not to seek peace for their souls in a fallen world, but to direct their gaze to God, Who is one, Who knows the end of the history of the world - and this end is the triumph of God's glory, life, victory over sin and evil, thanks to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Pray for us that the Lord will give His peace in the hearts of believers and remove all fear.
For the Gospel of Jesus to be a stronghold and a strong foundation in rebellious circumstances.
For believers to support one another and keep their eyes on Christ.
For Christians to witness the Gospel to unbelievers and help them find peace in Jesus.
Michael then sent the below update on February 26:
Meanwhile, the news feed brings fear and horror about new bombings, explosions, deaths in Zaporozhye, Sumy, Kiev, Kharkov, Kherson, Cherkasy, Chernigov... Usual life is a thing of the past. A new reality. Refugees, volunteers, weapons, supplies of food, constant monitoring of the condition of children, friends, relatives, acquaintances. Today again there are many refugees in the church building, our deacons serve around the clock. Seeing off volunteers church members to war, praying and blessing with tears in our eyes. Looking for an opportunity to get married. Hiding all valuables, preparing for the worst. Join us in your prayers. Pray for us.
Please continue to pray for the people of Ukraine and for the prayer points Michael shared above.