Dear Friends,
Our world is experiencing ongoing disruptions with notable health and economic consequences in the shadow of COVID-19. The pandemic has impacted every continent and is rearranging lives without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, age or socio-economic standing. The universal nature of our shared plight has provided unique opportunities for our timely response.
Without faith, the world is prone to fear, worry, anxiety and desperation. However, as Christ followers we are promised hope and transformation through such challenges and testing (Romans 12:1,2). The Good News of the Gospel has never been more relevant than in this moment, as many more are now searching for answers and peace.
Relative to other countries, Ukraine thankfully has been spared, thus far, the most tragic rates of infection and death related to this disease. And yet, regardless of this most current global devastation, the eternal condition of human hearts and souls will always be God’s highest priority. As a result of this pandemic, the people of Ukraine, like the rest of our sin-infected world, are now more actively seeking answers to questions that can only be provided through faith in God as recently reported by Nick and Maia in Kiev:
“Ministry has certainly been affected, but even in the midst of all the difficulties, we see that God is not only in control, but that He is also drawing more people to Himself. We have not been able to meet in Bible discussion groups or for Sunday services for 3 weeks now. But all of our churches are doing online services (through YouTube and Zoom), and we see that the number of people “attending” (watching) those services is 2-4 times larger than the usual number that would come on Sunday.”
We are encouraged by and deeply appreciative of this opportunity and of your continued support of IP and its ministries in Ukraine. For such a time as this…
With thanks and love, always in Him,
Thomas Bates
President, International Partnerships
