Friday, August 21, 2015

Ukrainian Christians Need Help

Friday August 21, 2015

Dear Friends,

The needs are great around the world, but our God is greater.  Our missionaries often go “in harm’s way” as soldiers of the cross, but our God sustains them.  This is one such time.

ORH received this email from Derek Thomas a missionary pastor that is well known to ORH.  He is a dedicated godly man trustworthy in all things.  His love for God’s people is great.  Please read his email to ORH about the work in the Ukraine.

“This is Derek Thomas, formerly missionary to Lithuania, and pastor at Faith Baptist Church in Raymore, MO.  In December I resigned as pastor at FBC and returned to Eastern Europe.  I became involved with Neil Cadwell and Slavic Baptist Institute while I was pastoring.  Brother Cadwell could no longer continue due to physical issues, and the Lord prepared my heart to go.  We are currently on deputation, but during this time we make trips to Ukraine to oversee the ministry there.  Our media presentation may be viewed at:  https://vimeo.com/125188244 

This past week at a pastor’s conference just outside of Kiev I met a pastor who is from Donetsk, Ukraine.  (See the attached picture.)  His name is Aleksandr Moseychuk.  Because Donetsk is in the heart of the fighting in Ukraine and is now under Separatist control, many have fled from the city.  Pastor Aleksandr lost 80% of his church.  He prayed for the Lord's will and felt the Lord would have him to stay, which he has.  The Lord has honored his step of faith as the church is growing to the praise of the Lord at 2-3 salvations per Sunday!  Most of these salvations have never before darkened the steps of a church.  One of the reasons the Separatists have left him alone (although they did break into his home during the night, while he and his wife were there, took his car, only later to return it) is that he helps feed the people there.  I know that churches from Ukraine have taken up love offerings and have sent funds to him.  Pastor Aleksandr seems like a good and godly man.  My desire is to help him in some way.  Right now it is impossible for me, as an American to go there.  I would only hinder his ministry as Americans are not popular with the Separatists.  But if we can get him some material help with food and clothing it would be a blessing to that area and to his ministry.

I was wondering if ORH has any ability to help with food or clothing?  If not, do you know of any ministries that may be able to help?”

ORH also received this email through Derek Thomas from Pastor Moseychuk  in the Ukraine answering questions from ORH.

“Now I will try to answer your questions:

1.  What is needed? People ask food, bread, and all things for personal need and for home: tooth paste, tooth brush, tissue, soap, detergent, sanitary towel and so on; 
2.  a statement of who need help. All people who come to our church: mother who have many children, elderly people, husbands who work in a mine but do not receive payment and others. Before we give any help I talk with people personally and try to get to know this person or family and then make a final decision.  
3.  How do we tie the physical needs help to the spiritual.  Before they receive any help they have to come to the special service before lunch. We preach them the Word of God and then give them some help. Also we invite them to the church on Sunday.
4. Do you do any follow up with these that you have helped? Yes. We have a special class for new believers on Saturday.
5.  Is this work only through your church?  Are there any other churches or groups that you are working with or that you help?

This work is only through our church. We are looking some help from our Christian friends in Ukraine and USA. For instance: I have two aunts in America, they immigrated in USA in 1992 and their church sent us some packages with clothes. Some Ukrainian churches sent us potatoes and vegetables. So we pray about new friend who could help in this ministry.”

ORH has committed $1000.00 initial help for these people in this very dangerous war zone.   It is not much, but it will begin to encourage them.  Derek Thomas is on his way to the Ukraine now to deliver the $1000.00 to Pastor Moseychuk and his church.

The attached PDF is more of Pastor Moseychuk’s message with pictures of he and his churches situation as a result of the Russian incursion into the Ukraine.  Please, read this and pray for these people.  This is our obligation according 2 Thessalonians.

“2 Thessalonians 1:3–4
3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; 4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:”

If you wish to donate by debit or credit card, please go to www.operationrenewedhope.org and choose “Network for Good.”  Please designate your gift for “International Relief.”

If you wish to donate by check, please send the check to Operation Renewed Hope, P.O. Box 43242, Fayetteville, NC 28309.  Please designate your gift for “International Relief.”

God bless you for reading this email.

Jan Milton
Operation Renewed Hope
1017 Sage Green Ct
Raleigh, NC 27610
910-987-5072
orhus@aol.com
www.operationrenewedhope.org 

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