Slavic Missionary Service continues to provide funds for humanitarian aid in Moldova and Ukraine for the displaced refugees. Support is also given for urgent assistance to ravaged regions in Eastern and Southern Ukraine. All SMS missionaries are praying that God will have mercy and that this devastating conflict will soon cease.

The missionaries of SMS in Belarus have joined together to assist war-torn areas in Northern Ukraine, especially near the Chernihiv region. One Ukrainian woman shared some stories about the opportunities to share this humanitarian aid. When they approached one house, an elderly woman answered the door. She was amazed that they came at that specific moment. She told them that only a glass of spoiled milk remained in the house. She planned to drink it, and then lay down with thoughts of never rising again. Everyone cried with joy that God had led them to that house that day.

Another story she shared included two men. After the believers shared the packages on the street, the men spoke some interesting words. They said that before that moment, they disliked, even hated, Baptists; since many are just hypocrites. But now seeing these actions from true Christians, they said that their views have completely changed. What a wonderful time of sharing God’s Word transpired after those comments!

The SMS missionary family that lives and serves in Moldova (Transnistrian Region) also shared some encouraging stories. People, especially women and children that have traveled to Pridnestrovia (Transnistria), have walked for many days from cities as near as Mykolaiv and as far as Mariupol or Kharkiv. They are so grateful for the accommodations and assistance.

One mother and son were taken to a store for new shoes. After purchasing the shoes, the missionaries took the little boy to a toy store to buy a ball and a little truck. (He left home with no toys.) He was so excited and kept repeating to his mother that it’s just a miracle that we have met such people who want to help us. The missionaries also gave the mother a Bible. They told her and her little boy about the peace that they could possess if they repent of sin and received Jesus into their lives.

In Western Ukraine three SMS missionary families have welcomed refugees into their homes, as they wait for the conclusion of the calamity. This loving hospitality melts the hearts of many. And for the first time, many are attending church services. Through this tumultuous time, God is drawing many people to His children who are showing and sharing His love with words and deeds.

One SMS worker frequently purchases provisions from many different locations. Daily from Borislav and Lviv, humanitarian aid and medical necessities are sent to the most needed areas. Supplies are packed in vans and cars, which travel to cities in Eastern and Southern Ukraine where the battle rages. Packages are also prepared for those families who choose to remain during this difficult and dangerous time.

Intercede specifically that God will continue to help the SMS missionaries (as well as all believers) to respond to the refugees with compassion and kindness. May the Lord help them to express His love to those individuals who are fearful, frantic and forsaken. Pray that many will respond to the Gospel message and receive the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.