MTS Graduate, Missionary to Mariupol

Twenty years ago, MTS graduate and master's student, Andrey S. moved with his parents from Mariupol, Ukraine, to conduct missionary work in the Ural Mountains of Russia. Imagine his surprise when he found an opportunity to return to his hometown as a missionary, bringing hope and healing to residents who had been impacted by the war.

He reports:

"Our team first came on short mission trip, but we soon realized that there were no permanent people working in ministry anywhere. There is an urgent need because around 80% of believers have left. This area needs permanent ministry workers.

So my wife and I prayed and decided to move to the post-war territory of Mariupol as missionaries. Our main work is counseling people who survived the war. We hold personal meetings, provide any assistance, bring medicines, carry out disbursement of food, and of course Bible studies."

"There are no pastors here; 80% of believers have left."

"We have been connecting the remaining Christians with non-believers in the community and bringing them to the church. We have restored the "House of the Gospel" Church, with 14 Bible study groups organized and running which brings people hope and healing. Groups are held in places where people have found temporary shelter. "

"We have also been working with children and teens from the orphanages, bringing them to worship services and Sunday school classes where they learn the basics of the faith. We currently have 20 children, 25 teenagers, and 15 young adults have joined us as well. We are very thankful for growth and blessings."

"People's hearts are very open to the Gospel!"

"When we can, we travel to the military territory, the Kherson region, where there is a difficult situation and military operations are underway. We deliver water there, feed people, provide biblical counseling, and deliver medicines.

Mariupol is gradually recovering, but only the Lord can restore people's souls. Gradually, the situation is improving and people are feeling hope. Small teams of short-term missionaries have been joining us for a week at a time, and we assign them to most-needed places to help.

We are blessed to serve our friends. People from my home church are longing to come and participate in the restoration. The process of reunification can be difficult and take time, but people's hearts are very open to the Gospel! Please join us in prayer for the healing that God brings."