Ukrainian missionaries serve God faithfully during war

Despite the dangers of the ongoing war in Ukraine, missionaries with Intercede International partner ministry Good Samaritan Mission continue to serve the Lord faithfully and help the suffering people of that nation. 

“Recently, I have come across news reports that the world is getting used to the war in Ukraine,” reported GSM leader Rostyslav Boryshkevych to intercede recently. “But for us, those who live in Ukraine, this is not right, because the war is still going on. From February 24, 2022, until today, there has not been a single day that houses were not destroyed and human lives were not taken prematurely.

“That is why we, the workers, missionaries and volunteers of Good Samaritan Mission, do not stop fighting against evil with good deeds. We continue to serve displaced people, refugees and affected residents of those regions in which hostilities are taking place today. We are thankful to everyone who prays for this ministry and continues to support us financially. 

“Every week, we continue to distribute food packages to refugees at GSM, and each time the number of those in need increases,” Boryshkevych reports. “Considering the fact that our ministry is not only to provide for people’s physical needs, but also to take care of their spiritual lives, we preached dozens of sermons and distributed thousands of Bibles during this period. Missionaries who are serving people in extremely dangerous places continue to do good deeds and support those who could not leave.”

Helena is one of the many people whom GSM has assisted. “All her life she lived in this village,” explains Boryshkevych. “She lived happily with her husband for 52 years building the house together, building their lives together so that they could spend their peaceful old years together. They had everything they needed. Her husband passed away in September last year and she is very grateful he didn’t live long enough to see these days of war. 

“At first when Russian troops came in her village she was hiding in a garage. One day two Russian soldiers came in to examine her home looking for men. She came out holding her cat and told them she was alone with her cat. They did not want to believe her that there was no man living with her. They checked thoroughly all her rooms, cellar, garage and garden. People were hiding males, since most of them were a target and were being shot. After the check up, they allowed her to put a piece of white cloth on her fence, marking that the house was checked. 

“She remained living in her garage, really thinking it would protect her from shelling. However, her house was bombed, she lost almost everything and currently lives in a tent. She is so sweet, such a hard worker. The garden is planted and soon to be harvested. She can provide for herself to an extent. 

“After her husband died she took their wedding rings and put them in china cups in the cabinet. As she was going through the rubble she spotted them. She could not believe it: the two cups survived and so did the rings. From the fire, the rings deformed and melted into the china, but it’s still the most valuable and precious memory for her. She says, ‘God was watching over me and over my beloved husband.’ We will bring a beautiful box to put her memory treasure and we are also very honoured to provide her a home for winter.

“We never get tired of thanking you, all those who are somehow involved in serving people in Ukraine,” declares Boryshkevych. “Thanks to you, we have not stopped our ministry because we have the necessary resources. Continue to sincerely pray for us, because we believe that God will never stop giving us the strength to go through all the trials and tribulations.”