Ukraine at War – Update 12, 2024

Ten days ago, Ukraine imposed emergency power shutdowns in most of the country, a day after Russia unleashed large-scale attacks on energy infrastructure and claimed it made gains in the eastern Donetsk province.

Sustained Russian attacks on Ukraine’s power grid in recent weeks have forced the government to institute nationwide rolling blackouts. Without adequate air defenses to counter assaults and allow for repairs, the shortages could still worsen. It is believed that by winter, the majority of Ukrainians could be facing prolonged periods without electricity each day.

HART’s team on the ground has communicated to us the most current needs of our church/ministry partners. 

For example, generators for electricity, power stations for keeping technology charged, propane stoves for cooking, food packages that require minimal preparation for when there is a power outage or lack of natural gas, and medications like Tylenol or Advil. SEE THE LIST BELOW.

Thank you, HART Community!

How your support is making a difference for…

I was deeply touched by a recent letter of gratitude from Pastor Andriy, a long-standing and cherished HART partner in Rivne, Ukraine.

This letter served as a warm reminder of the strong bonds we have forged through our partnerships over many years. From the very beginning of our collaboration with Andriy, his remarkable leadership capabilities, church-planting acumen, and gift for mentoring and inspiring Ukraine’s youth to engage in ministry left us in awe. Andriy stands as a shining example of the incredible talent and devotion found among Ukraine’s new generation of Baptist leaders. 

Receiving such an authentic message of gratitude is both humbling and uplifting. It reinforces the immense impact that long-term partnerships can have in furthering the Lord’s work across borders and cultures.

Lloyd Cenaiko (President)

Hello Lloyd! I have had the urge to write to you many times lately.

We first met each other in 2007. And since then HART has become the most powerful partner in our ministry! Years have passed, and many things have changed, but you remain faithful to your calling.

Lloyd, I am a happy pastor. I have never wanted to quit the ministry or do anything else. I love the Church of Christ and am passionate about working with pastors. I believe that it really changes the world and builds the kingdom of God.

Over the last two years of the great war, I had to conduct dozens of funerals of our fallen soldiers, inform families of death, and listen to the confessions of those who survived the horrors of war. Now, we also provide chaplaincy support to the military.

They all have a common problem – they cannot sleep properly. All that they have experienced and seen has left an indelible mark on their souls, and on top of that, many contusions and injuries, loss of comrades, problems in families… These are people with torn souls… they need healing from God, and so again, I believe in the Church, and in the Church, I believe that such people can find recovery.

Last Friday, I had a 1.5-hour lecture at the Chernivtsi National University, at the Department of Psychology. I was invited to give a lecture on strategies for supporting those who serve in the military, mending fractured family relationships, and navigating the complex emotional terrain of feeling alienated or betrayed – challenges that have become all too common in our modern era.

Lloyd, this lecture became a celebration of the Gospel message! I could speak openly about the beauty of the biblical paradigm of life! God expands our possibilities, and sometimes, I feel like we are sitting on the tightrope, but by the grace of God, we remain intact.

I am happy that I was honored to live in such a period of history and to see God work so powerfully. We all feel tired and exhausted from time to time, but at the same time God gives us restoration and strength to run on.

At this time, many Christian brothers are updating their data at military registration and enlistment offices. Because of the new law on mobilization, I feel that most of us will need to go to serve. Six months ago, I updated my data in the military commissariat and was recognized as healthy and fit. If I have to go, I pray that I will go as a chaplain.

Lloyd, I want to thank HART for its unprecedentedly large support of our ministry and us personally during this war. Thank you, supporters of the HART mission—you are God’s angels.

Thank you for HART’s efficiency and quick response to our needs. Thank you for supporting the camps, both in the church and in the region. As I write these words, I cannot hold back my tears of gratitude! The Lord is glorious, and you are His faithful servants!

We continue to run and believe that the Lord will go through all the twists and turns of life with us. I pray that we will bear more fruit for the Kingdom of God during the allotted time. 

The HART office in Ukraine is great too. They work very fruitfully and effectively, and they serve your partner churches well.

Lloyd, thank your office in Canada for us. Thank everyone, I would like to hug you all so much. You are doing an incredible job! We are praying for you, I feel so strongly that we are one church, one Body of Christ!

Your reward is great. Through us, you touch thousands of people in need in Ukraine. We pray that the Lord will send you powerful partners and sponsors. We thank you for everything you do! 

With prayer,
Andriy

Pray for Ukraine, Pray for Peace

Here are specific prayer points that can help guide our prayers for the situation in Ukraine. Please share these with your friends and family.