The following is copied and shared with permission and reflects a deeply personal  perspective forged amid the daily suffering and sacrifice caused by the war in Ukraine.  This update is offered to inform and encourage your prayerful support for all who are affected by this tragedy.

If you would like to help us with humanitarian aid efforts you can donate through our  website https://ipministry.org/donate/. The needs are growing as we keep helping thousands of people to move west within Ukraine and also helping those who want to leave the country temporarily. We need funds most of all for gas, but also for food and various supplies (medical, bed linens, mattresses, etc). Thank you.                        

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Maia’s Update:

Sunday worship service in Kyiv church on 25th day of the war. Every moment together is precious! We had a few new people who joined us today because they couldn’t find a church that meets in person in their part of Kyiv.

Meanwhile, we are missing some of our regular people. Our prayer list with specific names of those who joined the ranks of defenders on front lines is growing. It especially hurts to hear that some of them have not been in touch for a while.

We are also praying for civilians who have been caught in the suburbs of Kyiv during vicious bombings and advancement of russian tanks, those who are hiding in basements without heat, water and electricity. Some of those haven’t been in touch for days now.

We continue to pray for Symy, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, suburbs of Kyiv and especially Mariupol which are under heavy bombings and ongoing russian attacks.

The sermon today started with a verse from Psalm 37:10 
 A little while, and the wicked will be no more;
though you look for them, they will not be found.

Update from Pyrig Ludmilla in Lviv:

With the beginning of the pandemic, we have utvorilasʹ ZOOM-platorma to practice English and communication on spiritual topics. Usually on Wednesdays and Thursdays we had 3-5 groups, with 4-5 people on average. We’ve been looking forward to lifting pandemic restrictions to return to normal. But, February 24, without having time to remember, we all, our whole country from the “train called covid” at full speed was thrown on the “train called War”. With the introduction of curfew, and the inability to meet in person, to our online platform, we have added online prayer groups, online Bible discussions. On the Zoom platform for practicing English and communication on spiritual topics fewer people began to come due to war, someone went abroad.

From time to time the question is, does anyone even need it now? But at the previous meeting, we received confirmation of the importance of this labor. Several participants shared how valuable these online groups are to them: “I can’t imagine what my life would be (psychologically) if it weren’t for these ZOOM conversations!” When everything around stopped because of the war – how good you didn’t stop. I’m so used to these meetings that sometimes I think I’m going to do as they won’t. ” Lilya, math teacher, mother of 3 children. Another person, Natalia, who is also a teacher and participant of our Zoom meetings, said that it is hard for her to grasp what is written in the Bible, and it is very good that we take small snippets and discuss them, then she can reflect on them for a few days.

Vinnista Church Baptism Today:

Lviv Church “Message of Hope” has to temporarily rent a different facility because the church building is in a location that is at risk of russian bombing.

Vova Plotskih in Cherkasy:  

Sunday Worship 3/20/22:

We used to play volleyball here, and now we weave camouflage nets for our army. We pray and act for the victory of Ukraine.

Uman “Reconciliation” Church Update From Pavel Protopopov:

Today (3/17), the medicines were handed over to the District Umansk Hospital. We continue to feed and take them in the night. Couple more cars ready to go! To be continued!

God willing, everything will be Ukraine! May the sky be peaceful!

3/19: You know that we are geographically located in the west of Ukraine, in the city of Khust. It’s been three weeks now. Openly stuck as if in the air. I just want to go home…

At the same time, God provided everything by placing us here. Together with a local church, we have created a crossroads base here for movers. It helps us to accept the people we evacuate for a while!

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Please share these updates with others. I have added direct links to our email, our website, and to the IP Ministry Journal on YouTube to the bottom of this page. Your prayers are precious to us. Thank you!

In Christ,
Brandy Ezzell
International Partnerships