Last year we were honored when missionaries to Ukraine that we support, Gennady & Mina Podgaisky, spoke at church one Sunday. Their ministry, calling, and determination was inspiring. Recently, Gennady wrote an update on how things are going in Ukraine and what their mission work involves these days. We continue to pray for peace and that Russia will stop its invasion. Here are some things Gennady reports:
Since the war started in February 2022, we have visited Ukraine twice: the first time in August 2022 and the second time in April 2023. Both times the fighting was raging on the eastern and southern fronts of the country.
The war is still going on, but now people’s focus has turned towards the future, which looks a bit brighter and more hopeful. The people of Ukraine understand that victory in this unjust and unprovoked war is possible. Ukrainians know that millions of people have prayed and are still praying for the end of the war and for the restoration of peace and for justice.
We saw signs of hope and resilience as we drove by towns and villages damaged from the war. Streets were cleared of the debris and rubble, many houses were repaired, and fences fixed. Black traces from fires on buildings were painted over or covered. There is hope in the future for Ukrainian people.