God’s word at work in Ukraine

Just like kids here, children in Ukraine are starting a new school year. Parents frantically scrabble to organise uniforms, packed lunches and transport to school. The difference is that the new school year in Ukraine is marked by the constant presence of war. 

Dozens of explosions rocked Kyiv on the first morning of school last week. The cities of Kharkiv and Kherson are under constant shelling. Many have been killed, including children. Families are fleeing North-East Ukraine in search of shelter to the West of the country, but they’re afraid there’ll be no future for them when they arrive. Instead of tears of joy at a new chapter in their lives, children are crying with fear and pain. 

But Ukrainian children are resilient. After some tears, they pull on their school jumpers and approach the new school year with hope and excitement. And, thanks to you, they are not the only ones approaching this autumn with hope.

Anatoliy has been on the front lines in eastern Ukraine providing Bibles to soldiers. Though battles are fierce, God is moving hearts in this space. 

While praying and taking part in Bible study, one young soldier spoke of his despair at being unable to see his newborn son and his wife, who had experienced difficulties during labour. When Anatoliy read Hebrews 11 with the group, many soldiers had tears in their eyes.

Yet, despite the hardships, all of the Bible Society team and their families are safe. Your prayers have given them courage in their mission as the demand for Bibles increases.

Anatoliy says, ‘Thank you for helping us to bring the word of God, the word of hope, into the very difficult circumstances of war.

‘I ask you to continue to stand with us. Friends, we need you. We need your prayers because we pray about miracles. Only a miracle from God can help us in this situation. Only his intervention can change our situation here. So we need prayers and we need your support. 

‘Friends, thank you for being so good to us. Thank you for helping our brothers and sisters who are refugees abroad, in your countries. God bless you friends. We will stand together.’