We praise God because, no matter how much the darkness may grow, His light shines forth. A few weeks ago, our team in Lviv travelled to Irpin, a town on the outskirts of Kyiv that suffered terrible attacks in the first months of the war. And there, they could see the light of the gospel shining, and the church of one of our ECMers there bearing witness or Jesus, in words and in action.

Below you can read a short report from our field leader who led the trip to Irpin.

"S. is one of my friends and coworkers who serves as a family pastor in the Irpin Bible Church. He had evacuated his family to a safer place but kept coming and serving in Irpin during the most challenging time of the Russian invasion of the Kyiv region.

Our local team in Lviv supported S.'s crew with all we could during that uneasy period. Both S. and his wife persist in their ministry and do a lot these days by sharing food, goods, and Gospel with people returning to their homes in the Irpin area.

We delayed our trip to Irpin several times. First, it was too unsafe to travel in that direction. Then, we had to wait another week to explore where we could get fuel to tank the van. We still lack gasoline in the area and must follow the new limits of 15 liters per vehicle.

Despite all the challenges, we toured Irpin to deliver more than 1000 kg of food and hygienic products. It wasn't a comfortable trip, especially emotionally. But we all returned to Lviv, hopeful and encouraged by what we had seen, by observing the life coming back to the ruined city, ministry of our colleague workers, and partner churches. They continue to serve and bring hope to where it's needed the most."

Our team recorded these three powerful videos of the experience, and we invite you to watch them and be inspired and encouraged by them.

Trip to Irpin (part 1): helping the needy in the war

Trip to Irpin (part 2): The Irpin bridge

Trip to Irpin (part 3): the work of the Lord in Irpin