For the past one and a half years of intense war in Ukraine, we have worked hard both humanitarianly and spiritually. The Livets Ord churches have been key in enabling us to carry out significant humanitarian efforts. At the same time, we need to strengthen the churches, both pastors and leaders.
Therefore, it was with great joy that we were finally able to hold our first national pastors’ and leaders’ conference since 2019. Covid and the war had previously hindered us, but now, finally!
Many of the messages at the conference focused on prayer, which, naturally, is a key for the way forward. On the last evening, I was able to deliver a visionary message. Among other things, I had the opportunity to encourage and challenge the pastors who had lost their churches in the occupied areas to dare to start anew in a new location. Starting over doesn’t mean starting from scratch. They have 10-20, perhaps even more, years of experience. The country is open and waiting for these initiatives.
We are currently supporting 6 church plantings and are reaching out for more. We also believe that as we are about to start four Bible schools at strategic locations in the country, we will witness a new generation of workers and leaders being raised up. We expect around 250 students, which is very good, especially in the midst of a raging war.
Other fields where we are active are also affected by the war. In a swift maneuver, Azerbaijan managed to take control of the enclave within Azerbaijani territory that had been inhabited and controlled by Armenians. The residents have now chosen to take the safer route and have left their homes.
Over 120,000 refugees have now fled to Armenia, with immense humanitarian needs. We are sending 600,000 SEK as financial aid to our sister churches so they can provide food, diapers, warm clothes, blankets, hygiene products, and medicine. This is being distributed by our warm-hearted brothers and sisters, who, with love, prayers, and this aid, are reaching out to those in desperate need.
Amid the humanitarian catastrophe, the Christian hope is being shared with thousands of people.
I am so grateful that we can be present together in these places filled with such dire need, and that we can actually alleviate the suffering both humanitarianly and with the Christian hope.
“See, darkness will cover the earth and thick darkness the peoples, but the LORD will rise upon you, and his glory will appear over you.” (Isaiah 60:2)
