Rev Dmytro Levytskyi
The situation in the south-western region of Ukraine has worsened since the Odessa region was recently declared a war zone. This means stricter rules and restrictions for those living there. It also means that all civil administrations in the region are subordinate to the military. Missile and drone attacks have become more frequent, and there are days when the alarm sounds every two hours. This is especially hard to bear at night; as a result, you are practically unable to work the next day. In addition we have a new Covid outbreak. At such times, one understands how weak one is, and the words of the Bible, “In Him we live, and move, and have our being,” become clearer.
Despite these difficulties, the Most High is merciful to us; we are still alive and continue our missionary work, preaching the gospel of Christ and distributing Bible literature. The congregation meets regularly, as much as possible under these circumstances – although in small numbers: five adults and three children. Sometimes, although very rarely, our friends and neighbours join us. We thank the Almighty for His mercy, that has preserved us. “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not” (Lam 3:22).
The Lord graciously preserves us; so drones and missiles pass us by. The recent missile strike on a farm warehouse nearby flew over our heads, and windows were blown out in neighbouring houses. People’s reactions to these strikes and explosions vary: some go to church, buy Bibles and try in every way to get closer to God. They are afraid of death but, as often happens, they come to Christ not for eternal life, but for temporal relief. They are like Pharaoh, in the book of Exodus, who wanted God to “take away from me this death only”. However, there are those for whom the Bible is the Word of God, and the deeds of His good providence are a sign of His mercy.
Almost every week we hear mines exploding on the seashore, as the entire coast is mined and many mines come ashore during storms. Many beaches along the Black Sea coast of Odessa are closed to recreation; people are prohibited from swimming in the sea. However, people continue to come to the beaches as if there was no war in the country and as if it was safe to swim in the sea and sunbathe. They break the law and deny the fact that their fragile lives depend on the Lord, and tragic deaths are evidence of this. “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be” (Rom 8:6-7).
We pray to the Almighty that He will raise up those who will take up the banner of gospel truth and raise it up as a testimony to the people of this country. “Therefore said He unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He would send forth labourers into His harvest” (Lk 10:2).