Ukraine Update: Return to Kyiv
UPDATE: APRIL 8, 2022
Our TWR Ukraine Director addressing listeners and audience members on social media from an undisclosed location near Kyiv. [image courtesy of TWR Ukraine]
Exciting news: The leader of TWR Ukraine and his family will move back to the Kyiv area in the very near future.
You may recall that in the wake of the Feb. 24 Russian invasion, the Kyiv-based portion of the team fled their studio and took refuge in the basement of a home near the city. They were far from safe there, and two days later began a 300 km journey (about 185 miles) to a somewhat safer location farther west.
The director and most of his family members have been there since then. It has proved to be a reasonably safe refuge, although they spent one night in trenches that the director had helped dig.
But as Russian forces mostly have pulled out of northern Ukraine and Ukrainian forces have retaken control, security has improved. Frank Stephenson, communications director for TWR Europe, reports the director is burdened for his team to continue ministering to the Ukrainian people, and he believes this is now feasible back in Kyiv.
An unknown is whether the studio will be usable.
The need remains great, as Ukrainians cope with the horrors and losses of war and brace for an expected attack in eastern regions of the country.
Meanwhile, our contact in Russia reports ministry also is continuing there, albeit with some restrictions. Although some social media channels have been banned, others can be used. Even the ministry’s Instagram account somehow has been viewed by thousands, although Instagram is among the banned services.
The Story of Jesus – the audio version of the JESUS film – will be broadcast in two Russian cities on radio and online in 15-minute episodes extending through the Orthodox Easter (April 24).
It’s encouraging to know that even with sanctions creating economic challenges, the people of Russia still are supporting God’s work. Our contact sees small donations coming in almost every day.
Will you pray with us?
- Please pray for the TWR Ukraine director and his family as they return to Kyiv and plan their next steps as a family and a ministry.
- Please lift up the TWR Ukraine staff member and family who left Ukraine because of the special needs of one of their children. They are set to move into a new home in western Germany on Saturday.
- Join us in praising God for the continued proclamation of the gospel in Ukraine, Russia and Belarus. Pray that these efforts will bear present and eternal fruit.
We appreciate your financial support as well as your prayers for our team in Ukraine during this crisis. You can add your support here.
For past updates and coverage of the situation in Ukraine,
visit our newsroom.
