As we gather this Sunday for corporate worship, please keep our dear brothers and sisters in Ukraine at the forefront of your prayers. Praise God our TMAI leaders and missionaries are doing well. Here are a few updates directly from them:
From one TMAI Leader/Missionary:
Before the invasion:
“We have made some contingency plans because it seems like the wise thing to do, like buying some non-perishable food, water, a propane stove, and packing “bomb shelter backpacks” that are ready to go. But as Christians we are not here to survive. We are here to love the Lord with all our hearts and joyously give everything we’ve got toward the fame of the Almighty.”
At the start of the invasion:
“Yesterday morning when the invasion started we went up and down the stairs of our apartment building and told everyone who answered their door that our church is nearby and has underground parking that is a place of refuge and shelter that they can come to and be saved. We offered to help and gave them a flyer with our church address/phone and the 6 most important Gospel verses on the back. Pray for those people to be saved. We are praying fervently that this war will draw many to be saved. That’s why we’re all still here on this earth.”
Update from today:
“As we begin our third night here in Kyiv with periodic sirens and explosions (they often come in clumps of several in a row and then it stops for a while) the Lord is answering your prayers protecting us. Praise Him. Tonight we have about 50 people from our church and approximately another 15 or so unbelievers from the neighborhood using our church building as a refuge. There are several children and a couple of babies… This will be our third night sleeping on mats in our underground parking lot and using it as a bomb shelter.”
He requests the following prayer:
- For the situation in the church’s underground parking lot. It’s cold with no heating, so pray that people don’t get sick. Electricity can also be cut anytime. They’re attempting to acquire a power generator to help.
- For the unbelievers among them. The group gathers three times a day for a short sermon and time of prayer. Today the TMAI leader taught from Psalm 23 and shared the Gospel. Pray specifically for a family of three—unbelievers who came to the church for shelter.
- For the pastors in Ukraine who are carrying a heavy burden with joy and grace. Pray for their wisdom as they make plans for clean-up, providing for needs, and Sunday services tomorrow.
From another TMAI Leader/Missionary:
Before the invasion:
“Our ministry includes pastoral shepherding. As for me, I am the only pastor in our church, and it is my privilege to pastor our people through this difficult time.”
Update from today:
“Last night by God’s grace we had a Bible study at our church and we were able to stream it so others could participate. One of the songs we sang was “Nearer, my God, to Thee.” A good song to think upon, and pray for our brothers and sisters here in Ukraine. May God give us wisdom and desire to draw nearer to Him… Thank you all for your prayers. Please pray big time, I believe tonight and tomorrow there will be a push to take downtown. We are under curfew until Monday.”
He requests the following prayer:
- For the needed supplies as they are scarce. There is now a curfew in place until Monday, which makes it more difficult to get needed items.
- For the defense of Kyiv. Wisdom, strength, and courage for the Ukrainian army.
- That believers would shine as beacons of God’s grace and love to unbelievers, and would encourage their brothers and sisters in Christ. Pray for electricity and internet to be stable tomorrow to stream their church services.
Our Lord continues on His throne. Thank you for praying,
The Master’s Academy International
