Ukraine: A Solider's Testimony

A GCP sponsored missionary sent us the amazing testimony of a young solider serving in Ukraine named Oleh. Oleh began serving after the full-scale invasion of Russian troops in Mariupol, Ukraine.

He writes, “In April 2022, the military began collecting wood chips from destroyed houses to start fires. While looking for wood, I came across a Bible and started to pick up scattered pages. I had never held a Bible in my hands until that moment, and I realized how valuable these scriptures were. I felt like this book might save my life. From that day on, I started reading this book and sharing it with the 50 military men in my unit. We read it as if it were the only place where they could have faith, victory, and the strength to persevere. I began to read the Gospels and started to pray to God. That is when I realized that only God could save us in this war.”

Oleh’s group was part of a convoy of 400 soldiers. According to Oleh, when they entered the Mariupol, they all realized not everyone would survive because Russian troops were gathering around them. Only 250 survived, but Oleh’s group of all 50 soldiers remained without casualties. Oleh was then taken prisoner for several months in Russia but was released in a prisoner exchange in August of 2022. Since then, he has returned home and has given his life to Christ. He now continues to share how not one member of his team was affected by explosions, shootings, or bombs all because of the Bible he found while looking for wood.

Please Pray for Ukrainians facing the hardships of war and violence. Pray that the Lord brings them peace, protection, and perseverance.