In Kharkiv lives Anton, a priest who chose to stay and serve his city, even during the Russian occupation. He says: "When many people fled the city, I and many Christians in the church decided to stay in the city to serve and help others. I myself have often felt a bit like the captain of a sinking ship in the middle of a storm, who should and must stay on his ship that might capsize!"
"However, we and I experience that God is with us in the storm, and it is very encouraging to us that other Christians like you want to help those in need in our city. We as a church can therefore, with God's and your help, be a light and hope for people in their situation."
Tatjana feels the pain of friends who have lost their lives
Tatjana is one of those who has received help through the church. She tells us: "I am a pensioner and I live in the Olekseiyivka district in the northern part of Kharkov. Our district was heavily shelled and it has been very hard to survive. I have cried so much."
"It's the pain that runs deep - for friends and neighbors I've lost or maimed. Today I'm crying too, but that's because my son has just been drafted into the army. I know it's necessary, he's grown up and ready, he says, but he's my only child and I'm scared."
"You dear Christian people who help me, your lovely church that comes to us with food and help. Please also mention my son in your prayers? I know you are praying for us and that this terrible war will end and peace will come".
It is powerful to read these testimonies. Of bold Christians who stayed behind in a city that the Russians occupied so they could help others. And people who say thank you for the help from the church.
Please pray for the many churches in Ukraine that are reaching out to refugees. This is not just a relief project - the church is also showing care for the vulnerable. They can bring the hope of the Bible to people who are suffering and lost. And they need that in this time.
In this way, the church can be a ray of light from heaven into a dark time. Thank you so much for praying for the Ukrainian Christians and their great help and care work.
