REACHING THE 98%

The power of the gospel is often highlighted in times of distress, as trouble can move people toward Jesus. In effect, our need becomes a means of connecting us to God. This is remarkably evident in today’s Ukraine.

At the outset of the war, Irpin was a focal point of the Russian invasion and Ukrainian resistance. Located just outside Kyiv, Irpin endured intense urban fighting and the unimaginable horrors of a monthlong occupation. After Ukraine’s forces eventually recaptured the city, 70% of Irpin had been heavily damaged or destroyed. At the height of desperation, Irpin Bible Church launched a community relief effort to provide food, clothing, and spiritual care to those in need. Four distribution centers were established to facilitate this project, which provided a daily supply of freshbaked bread, funded by our ECM Ukraine Crisis Fund.

Something wonderfully unforeseen occurred at the distribution sites. As people encountered God’s love through the kindness of His people, spiritual transformation became increasingly evident. Many decided to follow Jesus, while others renewed prior spiritual commitments. In time, the seeds of new church communities sprang up in the relief centers, a wonderful reminder of divine restoration in the turmoil. Eventually, ECM was invited to participate in the start of three new churches near Irpin.

This Autumn, ECM welcomes three Ukrainian couples serving in the resulting church plants in the towns of Borodianka, Hostomel, and Nemishaieve. Already, these churches have begun ministries to children, students, seniors, veterans, and those displaced by the war. One of the congregations launched a program using art as a connection point for young mothers.

Please pray for Anatolii and Olena, Andrii & Luda, and Illia and Iryna as they serve these three churches. A fourth couple, Roman and Yaroslava, has joined our New Hope Ukraine ministry team in Lviv, and they also need your prayers.

God’s redemptive purposes in Ukraine continue unabated, come what may.