Ukraine Update: Blessings in Belarus

Members of the TWR Ukraine team film one of the numerous videos that have populated their social media channels. The videos join a flood of content created to minister to the people of Ukraine, Belarus, Russia and surrounding areas. [image courtesy of TWR Ukraine]

As Ukrainians prepare to celebrate their Independence Day on Aug. 24, numerous media reports this week suggest Russia may be readying for a missile attack against Ukraine from Belarus.

Although Belarus served as a staging ground for the Russian invasion of Ukraine, its role in the conflict has been indirect. However, Belarus was hit with similar Western sanctions as Russia.

But what Russia, Ukraine and Belarus all have in common is that they need Jesus. And TWR’s contacts in Belarus tell of significant responses to spiritual truth.

The Belarusian team is regularly airing seven radio programs, reports Alenka Stephenson, communications director for TWR Europe. Responses from listeners “contain human pain and joy, tears of repentance, heartfelt confessions, gratitude and, of course, many questions,” she said.

Listeners also requested and received hundreds of copies of the gospel and several thousand copies of spiritual literature, Stephenson reports. Some announced repenting of their sins and embracing Christ as Lord. Praise God!

This reflects spiritual renewal also taking place in Ukraine, where hundreds of Roma people were reported to have been baptized recently. Additionally, the TWR Ukraine team receives meaningful encouragement from its listeners.

“I thank God for you that in these difficult times for our country, you do not give up your radio ministry,” wrote Raisa T. from Ukraine’s Volyn region. “In your programs you strengthen in spirit the weak, encourage and promote prayer, service to God and glorification of his holy name.”

The team also was encouraged by youth participation at a recent “Transformation Church” youth camp in a village near Kyiv. As they talked with the youths, team members learned that most of them were already familiar with TWR Ukraine, Stephenson reports. “That is encouraging, because young people are the future of the church.”

Prayer Points

• Praise God for spiritual renewal and ask that the Holy Spirit would continue to bring renewal and repentance in Belarus, Russia and Ukraine.
• We praise the Lord for the safety of our teams and contacts in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine and pray for wisdom and strength as they serve in challenging circumstances.
• Pray for the leaders of these nations, that they may humbly seek God’s best and find a path to peace.