You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God — 2 Corinthians 9:11
We thank God for all of you, for your prayers and generous sacrifice to help support the churches in the Ukraine. We want to update you with progress of the fundraiser and let you know what is going on in the Ukraine.
With the tragedy of Malaysian Airlines Flight 17, once again the world’s camera has been focused on Eastern Ukraine. It has magnified the violence, and the profound instability that has taken our country hostage at this hour. Our hearts go out to the families of the 298 lives that were lost. This brings the number, as some have estimated, to more than a thousand lives lost due to the violence.
At this hour, our church of 53 brothers and sisters in Donetsk is now down to two. We have evacuated many, and found them places to live. Many have moved to other cities in Russia and Ukraine. They are holding services and fellowship times by internet and Skype, until we get everyone to a city with a church. Please pray for our brothers and sisters from Donetsk, as they have witnessed and endured an extraordinary trial. Pray for them, as they have left their homes, schools, jobs and their home congregation, to seek shelter, work and stability in other cities.
We are so thankful for the financial contributions that have been given. Many individuals have gone to the web site and made contributions, and several churches have taken up freewill offerings. Thank you! Thank God for your hearts to help! In a time when our churches are being tested, your love is a bright light. As of right now: 25 churches from five countries and 177 individuals from 17 countries have generously given to help out the churches in the Ukraine. Thanks to these contributions we have collected 30% of our projected needs.
We praise God as he continues to add saved souls to his church! One sister drove through six armed barricades and carried an inflatable pool to baptize her physical sister in Lugansk. Zina moved from Donesk to Kiev, and was baptized two weeks ago! God continues to do miracles!
Please continue to pray:
1. That there will be peace in Eastern Ukraine.
2. For our brothers and sisters from Donetsk that they will find shelter, work, and schools.
3. That there will be a deescalation of violence.
4. That a level 4 draft will not be instated.
5. That our fellowship between Christians in Ukraine and Russia will reflect the love of Christ!
6. That the fundraiser will raise enough money to sustain the work we have started with the churches.
7. That the churches will continue to grow in spite of the trials.
Thank you for your prayers!
For those who feel like they are able to help with the ministry needs in the Ukraine, you can make a donation by clicking here > Churches who wish to make a donation, please feel free to contact either myself (shawnkiev@gmail.com) or Jim Blough (jim.blough@gmail.com) if you need more information.
Please follow us on Facebook: Prayer for Peace >
We thank God for the grace He has given others, to make up for what is lacking here.
With much love and thankfulness,
Your brother in Christ,
Shawn Wooten
