The Spiritual Battle Behind the Physical Battle Reveals the Faith of the Saints and God's Triumph over Man's Evil
"But regardless of which of us end up literally crucified for Christ, the question is: have we not died already? Paul—who was converted right here in Syria—proclaimed, “I am crucified with Christ.” -Farid, Syria (source 8thirty8's Facebook page).
Also from 8thirty8: A Syrian refugee, living in Jordan, met Jesus and was just recently baptized! He shared that his family has completely disowned him (won't even speak to him) and now his wife has divorced him. But he has the biggest smile of joy you have EVER seen!
*Pray for the strength of this new brother, and that the Lord would use this new brother to draw his family to Him! *
From the God at Work in Ukraine Facebook page:
Dima's Story: 10-year-old boy lost leg when his home was shelled in battle last August. The battle still rages but hope prevails!
Donetsk oblast: Dima was home with his 7-year-old sister Valya and their grandmother when his world was shattered. They heard the whistle of mortar shells, then their house was hit and burst into flames. Instantly Dima's leg was torn away, his grandmother also lost a leg, and all three of them suffered multiple shrapnel wounds. Dima's mother had been out buying school supplies to prepare for the usual September 1 start of school. However, all the norms fled their embattled town. Ambulances rushed to move the injured, but the small local hospital was soon overwhelmed. Basic care was given, but they couldn't do the surgery Valya needed, so she can barely walk on her injured legs.
Their house and possessions destroyed, Alla moved her children to a sparsely-furnished two-room apartment, where they share a kitchen with neighbors. Alla's mom moved in with her son, and is not able to get her pension because of the ongoing battle. Alla lost her job, as did most of her neighbors. Her resources bleeding away, she wondered how she was going to feed her children. Then one day a lady knocked at her door and asked if they needed any help. Alla wept as she recounted their story. This kind lady listened and cared. She and friends from her church began bringing groceries and hope to this family suffering from post-traumatic stress. Dima and Valya eagerly embraced the love of Jesus and the hope of heaven. Alla is still hanging on to her bitterness, but is amazed that a Baptist church would care so much for her beleaguered family. Dima dreams of getting an artificial leg some day.
Pastor Pavel and his association of churches, "Light of the Gospel", are helping scores of people who are cold and hungry to survive this season of trauma. The Ukraine Crisis Fund is providing the resources for this. Thank you for your help and prayers!
Donetsk oblast: Dima was home with his 7-year-old sister Valya and their grandmother when his world was shattered. They heard the whistle of mortar shells, then their house was hit and burst into flames. Instantly Dima's leg was torn away, his grandmother also lost a leg, and all three of them suffered multiple shrapnel wounds. Dima's mother had been out buying school supplies to prepare for the usual September 1 start of school. However, all the norms fled their embattled town. Ambulances rushed to move the injured, but the small local hospital was soon overwhelmed. Basic care was given, but they couldn't do the surgery Valya needed, so she can barely walk on her injured legs.
Their house and possessions destroyed, Alla moved her children to a sparsely-furnished two-room apartment, where they share a kitchen with neighbors. Alla's mom moved in with her son, and is not able to get her pension because of the ongoing battle. Alla lost her job, as did most of her neighbors. Her resources bleeding away, she wondered how she was going to feed her children. Then one day a lady knocked at her door and asked if they needed any help. Alla wept as she recounted their story. This kind lady listened and cared. She and friends from her church began bringing groceries and hope to this family suffering from post-traumatic stress. Dima and Valya eagerly embraced the love of Jesus and the hope of heaven. Alla is still hanging on to her bitterness, but is amazed that a Baptist church would care so much for her beleaguered family. Dima dreams of getting an artificial leg some day.
Pastor Pavel and his association of churches, "Light of the Gospel", are helping scores of people who are cold and hungry to survive this season of trauma. The Ukraine Crisis Fund is providing the resources for this. Thank you for your help and prayers!
Please pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters Pray for God to give them boldness in their witness. May He give them strength through the persecution and pray for their persecutors to respond to the Gospel.
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