The Ukrainian Church of God has been training individuals to go to 18 newly created pioneer works along the war front in Eastern Ukraine. In these pioneer works, food and clothing are provided, along with sharing the gospel and offering counseling services.
Tom Rosson, regional superintendent/president CIS/ETS-Moscow, recently traveled to the war-torn region where he visited several churches, a refugee center, and an orphanage in Slavyansk that had been damaged by the military conflict. Rosson was also present for the graduation and commissioning service for “missionaries to the front.”
The Good News Church of God in Slavyansk conducted a water baptism service in which 34 people publicly affirmed their faith in Christ. At the end of the service, an additional nine people gave their hearts to the Lord.
Shelling continues to take place in the towns and villages along the front. Rosson traveled to the mission center in Mironovskiy, a town littered with destroyed homes and apartment buildings. He had to pass through four military checkpoints and the defense lines of the Ukrainian army to get there. Every bridge crossed was damaged.
After surveying a building that will hopefully be used in the future as a church, a street service was conducted and 300 loaves of bread were distributed.
Although technically there is a cease-fire in place, there have been deadly firefights consistently throughout the region. Fortunately, the church has been able to train chaplains and short-term front-line missionaries.
God is in their midst as they continue to pursue spreading the message of Jesus’ love.
(Source: Church of God World Missions)