The city of Severodonetsk and its neighbouring areas are orthodox communities. Every fifth citizen considers themselves an orthodox believer, but they live as people who do not know God. It’s very difficult for such religious people to abandon or change their beliefs, as well as to not cling to the opinions of their neighbours and friends.

Daria* was one such person with firm religious convictions. In her apartment there was no spare corner where she didn’t keep an icon with a saint on it. But, when she was in need for bread, she came to the protestant church of our Impact Eastern Ukraine project. She received what she was asking for and, some time later, she came back to the church.

It wasn’t easy for her to understand that the icons were useless for her relationship with God, but with time she made the decision to remove them and invite the living God into her life. As she continued to attend church, she gradually came to a point when she realised her sin and sincerely repented before God. She was baptised and now has a real and dynamic relationship with God.

Please pray for our pioneers and pastors working in Eastern Ukraine, that their work would continue to impact communities. Pray also for peace in this country.