More than 52 people have died in floods in the Russian-occupied areas of southern Ukraine, after a major dam collapsed in Kherson on June 6. The dam had provided drinking water to hundreds of thousands of people and cooling water to a major nuclear power plant. Although Russian forces retreated from the city of Kherson late last year, they still occupy much of the surrounding territory, where many Ukrainian civilians remain trapped by the floods while Russia forbids outside aid. Around 2,000 damaged homes have rendered an estimated 16,000 people homeless. Now, receding waters have brought on a cholera epidemic and other disease, especially among Russian troops.
At least seven churches were submerged in the floodwaters, as well as a seminary. Jayson Casper of Christianity Today reported (June 12) that when Russian troops invaded Kherson last year, they destroyed Tavriski Christian Institute, burning books and employing sniper fire to keep Christians at bay. After Kherson’s liberation in November, however, TCI began repairs and erected a greenhouse to supply food to students and others in the area, all of which submerged in this month’s dam breach. The Russians have further complicated the devastation by confiscating rescue boats, killing a pregnant volunteer, and threatening the pastor who manages the TCI property and wishes to begin repairs.
“Faith helped (Noah) escape in the ark. His family lost so much in the world, yet they were preserved—trusting in God’s promise.
“It is not our possessions that are shielded, as they were swept away in the floodwaters. Nor is it our emotions that are shielded, as we still go through pain. But what I have found is that God shields our hope, enabling us to trust in his sovereignty.
“It was by God’s word that the world was created, and one day by His word it will crumble like paper. But not one word of His promises will go unfulfilled.”
TCI president Valentin Siniy (CT interview).
Lord, You are our Shield, our Strength. You did not promise that all will go well with us in this world. In fact, You tell us in Your Word that anyone who seeks to live a godly life will be persecuted. 2 Timothy 3:12. Yet we praise You, because although we live in the world and endure the trials brought on by this present darkness, Your Son Jesus has long overcome the world and we are overcomers through Him. John 16:33, 1 John 4:4, Romans 8:31-39. We ask You now for our brothers and sisters enduring war, floods and persecution in Ukraine. Please be a Shield around them. Protect them from sickness and harm, rescue those in need, and shine through them Your light so brightly that the darkness will flee and every knee will bow to You, as every tongue confesses that You are Lord. Do not let evil prevail, O God. Rescue the innocent and bring to justice those who kill, steal and destroy. Bring an end to this war quickly. Steal back what has been stolen and rebuild what the enemy has destroyed. Use this terrible tragedy to place within every heart, both Russian and Ukrainian, a hunger for You so deep they will let go of every last thread of what they have held onto that is not You and choose You alone as the One they live for. Lift the veil from the eyes of those who have not yet seen who You truly are, and set those in bondage free to surrender to Your grace, forgiveness and salvation. Raise up Christians to provide aid and counseling and to share Your love with those in need. Shine that love so brightly the lost will be drawn to You like moths to a flame. Rebuild and multiply Your churches and Christian institutions. Tear down every barrier and bring hundreds of thousands to faith in You. Take what the enemy has meant for evil and turn it around for great good. Awaken all of Russia and all of Ukraine and all the world to Your love. May Your Kingdom come, O God, here on Earth as it is in Heaven.
Mikaela Vincent and her husband are missionaries who live by faith, trusting in God to provide for their needs as they pray for and share Christ with the nations. If you would like to help their ministry through giving a donation, shopping at Mikaela’s online bookstore, praying for them or inviting them to speak at your church, retreat or other event, click the buttons below:
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