There are no easy answers for missionaries who are trapped in a war-footing situation. No matter which way they step there are great difficulties and dangers.
Oleg and Lori are doing their best in their Church to help those fleeing from the threat of death, mistreatment, or bondage. Pray that Oleg, who is in Ukraine serving his people and his Lord, will not fall prey to the dangers from which he is protecting others.
Lori wrote the following.
"Dear Body of Christ, It is with a heart full of grief and sorrow for Ukraine that I write today. At the same time, my heart is full of gratitude to the Lord and the Body of Christ for their care of our family during this nightmare. I believe in a Sovereign God and my faith is not wavering.
Holy Trinity Baptist in Mukachevo is helping refugees as they pass through our state/region (the only region in Ukraine that has not been bombed). We feed them, offer counsel and help the women and children get their refugee documents. The men then return, full and with food provisions, to where they live to defend the nation. Most do not need permanent housing, so at present, our biggest need to help people is food and extra funds for heating the church building. Oleg is safe and very busy. Our home is also offering refuge to 6 of our close relatives from places that are being bombed. This is a huge blessing for me to know that our relatives are cooking for Oleg and helping to relieve the loneliness of being without his family....
.... Please pray for the Ukrainian people as they fight for their lives. Pray for peace. Pray for the church to rise up and minister during this time of destruction and fear. Pray for the ability to forgive. This war could be a spiritual turning point in Ukraine. Pray for the salvation of our troops who could meet the Lord at any moment.... Pray for Oleg to remain safe and to be a light for the Savior in Mukachevo. Pray for our new believers to remain firm in the faith.... Pray for Abigail, Simon, and I to adjust to Budapest and coordinate relief efforts for Ukraine. Pray for the people of Russia and Belarus.... Pray for our first border run that will take place sometime this week. Thank you for your prayers! Lori, Abigail and Simon in Budapest, Oleg in Mukachevo"
Please continue to pray for Oleg and Lori. Operation Renewed Hope will continue to offer them financial assistance so Holy Trinity Baptist Church will be a lighthouse. Thank God for the immediate outpouring from a group of businessmen and a doctor to help cover our initial support to our two missionaries laboring in the crisis.
Oleg and Lori’s help to the Ukrainian people during this dark hour of their nation will be remembered in future years giving greater opportunity for ministry.
