Unstoppable: Ministries continue in spite of the cold

The region of Cherkasy has been experiencing temperatures well below freezing for several weeks now, which means a constant covering of ice and snow on the ground. This makes it harder for people to be out and about – to come to church, to come to community meals, to attend children’s and youth meetings. Yet the pastors and ministry leaders remain undeterred by the conditions and are continuing to serve with joy, even when the weather makes things harder.

In January, the regular monthly meeting with a hot meal and a movie for seniors in the church at Borguslavets did not go entirely as planned. “While I was on my way to the village of Lukashivka to pick people up for our gathering, the car broke down,” Pastor Vitaliy Lozovoy reports. “But God is good: we managed to avoid any accidents. Instead, we had the opportunity to deliver meals to the homes of many who couldn’t come to the meeting because of the very severe ice.”

“God is good: we managed to avoid any accidents.”

At Blagodatne and Korobivka, the weekly children’s meetings are still happening, even though the long power cuts mean the buildings are often not warm or well-lit. “There were big frosts, but the children still come,” says ministry leader Amika. “It can be chilly in the church due to the lack of electricity, but there are no fewer children.”  She is also encouraged that some of the parents come along and sit in on the meetings, listening to the lessons.

In early February the leaders embraced the snowy weather and took the children to a nearby hill for sledging. Everyone had a great time and also appreciated the trip to the pizzeria afterwards.

Another blessing Amika is celebrating is the addition of two men to the team, meaning the children can now be divided into separate groups of boys and girls for some activities. This is giving the boys undistracted time to learn from and interact with godly men who are strong role models, which is especially important during the war when so many fathers are absent from their families.

“Despite the lack of electricity, the cold and anxiety, we rejoice and serve our Lord.”

“Therefore, despite the lack of electricity, the cold and anxiety, we rejoice and serve our Lord,” Amika says. We celebrate these ministries as lifelines to the people they serve, and as beautiful examples of the faith, determination, faith and resilience of God’s people in Ukraine.