Russian bombardment damaged the small Baptist church in this eastern Ukraine village.
Many people fled, but for those who remain, the church, which now meets in a tent, has become a source of inspiration and hope.
SCRIPT:
SCRIPT: Ukraine frontline church
Reporter VO
Russian bombardment destroyed or damaged 90 percent of the houses in this village, located in Ukraine’s eastern Kherson region. The local Baptist church was also damaged, but its small congregation began to grow. Pastor Andiry reports that many villagers have joined the church and been baptized.
Pastor Andriy
We are currently in a tent where our services have been held for the second year. It was very cold today, we were freezing because it was -8°C, but the hall was full of people. People come, regardless of the summer heat or the winter cold, they keep coming to God.
Reporter VO
During the war, pastor Andriy and his wife Anna arrived to minister in this Ukrainian village. Before, there was a small church here with two sisters and a few parishioners. But now, about 80 people attend the church. This year, 8 people were baptized, and there are now around 20 members of the church.
Pastor Andriy
The Lord blesses us, we see it, we see God’s hand because what the Lord is doing here is amazing. We’ve never seen anything like this in our lives—the way the Lord is working.
We thank the Lord first and foremost because His hand is sustaining these people. Around 600 people have returned to the village, and more than 10% are attending church today. They find comfort here, they find hope here in this church. What the Lord is doing with their hearts is also amazing.
Reporter VO
In spite of the chaos of war, Pastor Andriy and his church know they’re not alone. Christians from other countries have brought support for the congregation.
Pastor Andriy
Today, the Lord is helping them through the church and through the aid we receive from churches abroad, from Canada, the USA, and from various countries. They receive it, and they are thankful—they thank God.
God’s mercy is here, and it’s very encouraging, very supportive.
Reporter VO
Reporting for the Global News Alliance, I’m Vitaly Stebenev, in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Story Provided By:
Stan Jeter, GNA CEO
Producing Organization
Global News Alliance & Ukraine partnership
Recording Location
Posad-Pokrovske, East Ukraine
Reporter / Producer
Vitaly Stebenev
People Interviewed and their Titles
Pastor Andiry, Baptist pastor
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