REPRESENTATIVES OF THE DNR (DONETSK NATIONAL REPUBLIC) TOOK THE BUILDING OF THE “WORD OF LIFE” CHURCH IN DONETSK

Dear friends, dear brothers and sisters!

Ask for your prayer support due to the fact that on August 13, at 22.00 pm, representatives of the DNR (Donetsk National Republic) took the building of our church. Despite the fact that the city is full of vacant buildings, they decided to take the house of God, that was not empty not for a day, in which constantly were services to God and helping the needy people.

There are no words to express the pain and sorrow! For over twenty years we have invested their hearts, our finances to the church building, and now we are deprived of the opportunity to gather for prayer and worship to God. With pain in my heart I have to inform you that this Sunday the doors of our church for the first time will not be opened for people who are hungry for God.

It is written that “many are the afflictions of the righteous, but out of them all the Lord will deliver him!” I believe that this will not last long and will come to a time of peace in our city and we will come together again in the house of God, and we praise God, serve Him, and to fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ!

I will be very grateful to everyone for prayer support.

APPEAL TO PASTORS, MINISTERS AND CHURCH MEMBERS

Dear pastors, ministers of various churches in Donetsk, Donetsk region, Ukraine, dear brothers and sisters!

Due to the tense situation in Ukraine and the tragic consequences which took lives of many people, I consider the most important thing today to put aside all disagreements and unite our hearts in common prayer and fasting for our country. With many of you we have been serving God together for years, getting through different times. And today more than ever,  unanimity in prayer is very important.

I am sure that the unity in Ukraine is largely dependent on the unity in the Church and in the hearts of Christians. The Bible says, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16). Our effectual, fervent united prayer can do the impossible things in our country, can stop the bloodshed and bring peace! God said that Ukraine will be grain and spiritual granary for all nations. Let us believe together in fulfillment of this word!

I invite all pastors, ministers, parishioners to join the open Fasting and prayer for Ukraine which are to be held on 26, 27 and 28 February in Donetsk, in the church building in Tkachenko st., 100.

May God bless you!
You are welcome!

Your brother in Christ,
Leonid Padun

ONE YEAR LATER

On November 20^th precisely a year had passed since that day when certain events happened in my life, which echoed deep pain, not only for me and my family, but also for the whole church and all the churches of our association. Things we had to and have to get through now are difficult to describe in words. But at the same time I have realized that nothing accidental happens, and sooner or later, everything finds its explanation. Now I understand why a year ago Ulf Ekman tried to displace me from my ministry.

First of all, with respect and love in Christ, I want to thank Ulf Ekman, Carl – Gustav and all Swedish brothers for all the good they have done for me and our church, preaching the Gospel and bringing the message of faith. Whatever happens, I have always loved and will love them with love of Christ.

JANUARY 23-25 – PRAYER AND FASTING

Dear brothers and sisters!

Our Lord Jesus Christ said, “I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matf.16:18). Whatever would happen around and in the Church, the Church will always come out victorious.

Let us remember the 2000-year history of the Church, let us remember the history of the Church during the long reign of Soviet power! Empires come and empires go, very few now remember the former persecutors but the Church continues to march majestically on the earth, doing the will of God.

“The gates of hell shall not prevail” but it does not mean that they will not try to. There will always be an attack on the Church, but the Church will stand strong!

There are many variations of how the Church is attacked or persecuted. Sometimes the pressure comes from the outside, and sometimes – from the inside. Therefore, it is important for us as a Church to always hold on to God and to what He has commanded us.