Update from a trip to Nikopol and Zaporizhizhia

Another day in Ukraine—another day of a lot of heaven and a little bit of hell.

3 different churches…stories of courage, salvation, benevolence, and bitter losses.

Zaporizhizhia, just a few miles from the frontline, home to 2 God-loving, neighbor-loving congregations, and Nikopol, home to resilient Christians who live in a community that is being pummeled by Russian forces encamped just across the nearby Dniper River.

In all 3 places, there is faith, there is hope…and there is love.

In Nikopol I met multiple Christians who now live in dilapidated dormitories because their homes have been destroyed by Russian missiles and drones. Some of the poorest Christians in Ukraine are surviving here…And despite the poverty and the incessant attacks, these are also some of the most joyful and generous brethren I have ever been privileged to encounter.

In Zaporizhzhia, the Central Congregation—the small room was packed with people desperate for both spiritual and physical nourishment. In the “Home” congregation I saw powerful faith coupled with a confidence in the coming of better days.

I walked away from each of these 3 congregations a better man…humbled by these undeserved opportunities God gave me to be in the presence of spiritual greatness.

***And today I met yet another broken-hearted mother begging for prayers that her son, who is missing in action—will somehow be found alive.