Hundreds receive christ along fronTlines of ukraine war

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We were delayed...that's not something you want to happen when there are two large vans full of food, six volunteers and having driven for two days to reach the destination for outreaches along the Russian border because we have to get in quick and get out. Little did we know that three days prior to the scheduled outreaches there had been constant attacks with rockets launched (90) from within Russia, which was only two miles away. We are thankful that the delay was God's way of protecting us from driving straight into a deadly situation. The next day we proceeded while praying for souls, no rockets and not rain. God answered our prayers. Our team, myself with Pastor Joseph Esenov and volunteers, was the “first” team to bring aid to this region because of extreme danger. The constant rocket attacks and the region littered with land mines along with being occupied by Russian invaders proved impossible for precious teams. We had to turn off phones and watch for drones as we approached. We had never been this close to the Russian border before. We are risking our lives in order to bring aid and the gospel message to the frontlines of this war. 

The team distributed nearly 3,000 pounds of food, supplies and infant warmth items. The atmosphere was heavy as young families did not venture out with children because of the recent attacks with rockets. One street over from where we gathered, a large building was still smoldering from being destroyed with rockets. But this did not hold back grandmother's from getting food and gathering the infant clothing. There was great delight and many smiles because of our presence and the products we brought. We gathered indoors for some of the outreaches because of the Russian surveillance drones. A crowd could attract attention that we didn't want. 

The team saw God do a great work in every town we went to. God's love penetrated the hearts of people who have been devastated by this war. Many have lost their homes, jobs and family members. Many live in terror because they don't know if they will live through the next day. There is so much uncertainty, but we witnessed the grace and love of God transform fear into joy unspeakable! Praise God for His mighty works! The gospel was presented, we prayed with people and everyone received a bible and food. Another great opportunity that presented it's self was that we ministered to Ukrainian soldiers in the trenches! Many received Christ and bibles! You can't make this up! Glory to God! Who would have thought we'd have the opportunity to minister to soldiers in three locations literally along the frontlines of war! Hundreds of souls received Christ at these outreaches and evangelistic church services in this region.

At one of the outreach towns, I felt someone squeezing my arm. I turned around to find a lady squeezing my arm as she told my translator, "A real American!" Wow, she had never seen an American in person and was amazed that one would come to the warfront and help them. I was blessed by this. I gave her a hug and we took a picture together. She was so happy! America needs to keep sending missionaries abroad.

We prayed for souls, no rockets and no rain. God answered! As we were about to depart from the region we heard explosions in the distance. A dear lady said, “Oh no, they’ve started again.” Please continue to pray for these people and our ministry along the frontlines of this war.

​Below are various photos of these outreaches. I've looked into their eyes, embraced their hugs and have seen things happen that only God can do.

Love,
​Doug and Angie