PART 2: SUPPORTING CHURCH PLANTING

 

HOPE AND PROVISION FOR

 LUHANSK AND DONETSK 

Part 2 

A growing Church

 

One of the things those who administer humanitarian aid discover, is that there are some issues that non of us as human beings can solve by ourselves. 

 

Bread is a wonderful present to a starving man. Fresh water is a precious treasure to a thirsty child. A thick old winter coat is like gold, to the old woman who shivers through Christmas, because her windows were blown away by shelling. 

 

However ... all these issues are temporary sticking-plaster fixes on life. What about the true, deep wounds, eternal needs, and questions of people. Does God care? Is God there? Does God understand suffering? What is the point of life? Will God judge or repay those who kill innocent people, and intentionally cause atrocious pain on thousands? Is Death the end? Can we have certainty about what happens after death ? Is it ever possible to forgive those who have destroyed your family, home and village?

One of the first men on the scene to administer aid was a friend of ours. In videos and photos you will often see him behind the truck, unloading potatoes, flour, giving out bread, showing love to the many friends he has made in the region. Sasha is one of their own. He has lived through all these things, yet throughout it he has not only maintained a joy to keep going, but has got up early each morning with a relative spring in his step. Why? He believes, that  every day is a gift, a new opportunity to speak of the one who is the foundation of all hope, the only one real answer to this situation... JESUS CHRIST. 

Introducing ALEXANDER RADIN "SASHA" (or "Pasha" - depending where you come from).

 

 As people have encountered the love of Jesus Christ through the ministry of this team, new and existing believers have joined together to take gospel hope to their villages and towns. Churches have been born. In this movement of new life, there are 5 churches in this network alone. From the dust, rubble and darkness of war, a new day is dawning. We have followed Sasha's story from very early on, and are thrilled at how God has worked so powerfully through him and the team. 

 

Our first encounter with Sasha started early one morning on the bread run. He jumped in the van having had no time for breakfast. Our first stop was to the local store for Sasha to buy (and completely consume) the biggest bag of Chicken crisps afforded to man. Despite the potent "wake up" smell in the van, we were soon very chuffed for every addative he consumed. Moments later his beady eyes popped out...we were in earshot of frontline activity and Sasha was the one standing inside the van watching out for danger. There were mines (either side of us), there were snipers, there were surprises... but Sashsa was looking out for his people and we are still here to tell the story. 

 

When tough times emerge, so do leaders. We are so thankful God has raised up our friend. A true man serves those sufferring (not run away from it), and here is such a man. Sasha follows Christ, shares Christ and shares in the sufferring of his people. We wholeheartedly support this ministry and ask that you prayerfully consider doing so with us. Part of our Christmas offerring will support this ministry, and if we are able to...we would love our support to grow as the churches grow - but we would need your help for that. Thank you in advance for anything you can do, however small.

 

God is GOOD !

 

DAY 6 and 7 

• Please pray for Sasha and His ministry.
• Thank God for the ongoing work of God in people in this region.
• Thank God for the completion of the roof and church building restoration in Umanske.
• Pray for those who have recently come to faith in Tonenke and Umanske.
• Pray that God will provide for this ministry to keep moving forward to reach many more with the provision of forgiveness, hope. certainty and Joy in Jesus Christ. 

 

Thank you for your partnership in this. Lets do all we can to encourage our precious friends at this time of great opportunity.

As always, if you would like to know more - we would love to chat.

Hope you have an encouraging weekend,

#BLOGSKI