Blessings through war—an update from Ukraine
It has been nearly three years since Russia first invaded Ukraine in an attempt to take control of the country. Cities have been destroyed and infrastructure decimated. The number of casualties Ukraine has suffered is difficult to ascertain, but it is well into the tens of thousands.
Against this backdrop of devastation, destruction, and death, God is working. The power of his love and his Word can be seen clearly in the updates from the Ukrainian Lutheran Church (ULC), WELS’ sister synod in Ukraine.
From the beginning of the war, WELS provided financial assistance to the ULC so our brothers and sisters could help each other and their neighbors with basic needs, such as food, medicine, clothing, and fuel. In fact, Christ’s love flowed so generously through WELS members that there is enough funding to cover current needs and anticipated future aid. The most important thing shared, however, has been the saving gospel message of Christ and the hope all Christians have through our risen Savior.
Pastor Vyacheslav Horpynchuk, bishop of the Ukrainian Lutheran Church, recently provided a detailed update. Here is a summary of the highlights:
- The ULC has 14 congregations, 12 pastors, and 5 deacons, serving 655 members.
- Three congregations had to temporarily suspend worship services due to attacks in their areas.
- While services in Bereznehuvate had to cease temporarily, once Russian forces were out of the area, the congregation not only resumed regular worship, but also started a mission in Snihurivka, with an average of 100 people attending each week.
- The pastor for the congregation in Tokmak had to leave the city after Russians started arresting Protestant pastors. Many members left as well.
- Thousands of people have received aid in the form of food, medicine, household supplies, clothes, and more through the ULC.
“We are grateful to WELS for helping us to buy electric generators, charging stations, electric inverters, and lots of firewood. During three war winters we have light in our churches, in most of our homes, and we are warm. Thank you also for the warm clothes and winter shoes!”—Horpynchuk
- With the aid, ULC members have been able to help each other repair damage to homes after attacks.
- In Kyiv, 90 people have joined the church and 30 more are taking catechism class.
“People suffer and we continue to help them. We have about 150 new communicant members [throughout ULC churches] because of our humanitarian efforts, and about 100 more people are currently studying Luther’s Small Catechism. In addition, several hundred new people attend the church every Sunday without enrolling in catechism classes. We hope and pray the Word will not return empty in their case as well.”—Horpynchuk
“God’s Word provided us comfort and strength to live, resist the Russian invasion, and help thousands of suffering people around us,” concluded Horpynchuk. “Please continue to pray for us and help us in time of our dire need. We are grateful to all WELS members and to the United States of America. God bless WELS! God bless America! Please pray that this war is finished soon!”
Read the entire, unedited update from Pastor Vyacheslav Horpynchuk.
