Ukraine Update: Still Standing

UPDATE: March 14, 2022

In this the third week of the war in Ukraine, we have encouraging news to share: Not only are all of the TWR Ukraine team members alive, but word has come in that the studios in Kyiv and Kharkiv both are still standing.

Given the scope of destruction in Ukraine’s two largest cities, that’s at least remarkable, if not miraculous.

Thank you for continuing to stand with our brothers and sisters in Ukraine, as well as in Russia and Belarus, in prayer. Thank you for giving on their behalf. This extraordinary crisis has saddled these ministries with significant unexpected expenses, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. If you’d like to give for the first time or help out again, the place to start is here.

We’re happy to report that the entire TWR Ukraine team was able to meet virtually over the past weekend as the technology and internet held up to allow for a Zoom meeting. They were able to have fellowship together in that way, and to pray for one another. Imagine the power in that!

They are also in mourning for their country, of course, but also because each of them knows people from their circles who have been killed in the war.

They are not together physically. Some are in embattled cities, others in the Ukrainian countryside and a few have made it out of the country. That includes the family we’ve told you about who have a handicapped child. The head of household, whom we’ll call Ivan,* has been able to set up a makeshift “office” at his temporary location in Central Europe. He and his family hope soon to travel to a more permanent location farther west.

Ivan is busy finalizing and uploading fresh content that the team in Ukraine continues to create and upload as an encouragement to their fellow Ukrainians. Even as they face danger daily and struggle to survive, they feel an urgency about bringing hope to the people of their country.

Meanwhile, TWR’s contact in Russia reports that churches there are continuing to meet and pray over the situation in Ukraine. Where they can, they’re helping refugees from Ukraine in practical ways, such as providing food and shelter.

Will you pray with us?

• Praise God that all in the TWR Ukraine team are alive and that the studios are standing. Praise him that they were able to meet virtually over the weekend and are still able to produce good news for their listeners.
• Continue to ask for protection for this team, and please pray for Ivan and his family as they prepare for the next leg of their long journey.
• Please lift up TWR Europe’s leadership team, as they’ve set up a new Crisis Management and Response Team for this emergency. This team is preparing to address not just the immediate needs but to provide support and encouragement over the long haul.
• A TWR contact in Belarus has asked for prayers for family members who formerly lived in Ukraine but have taken refuge in Central Europe. They are Belarusians and as such are hampered by sanctions against that country. Yet it’s not safe for them to return to Belarus. Pray that they might be able to get established in this new location.

* Names changed or withheld for security reasons.