2000 years ago, Easter changed the course of history forever. The victory of Jesus over death gave us all new life and new hope. Since countless people have been transformed by the power of Christ. But countless more are still living in death and darkness.
In Eastern Ukraine, this seems to simply be normal life.
Since 2014, Ukraine has been in under invasion and civil war. Homes, families, business, and communities have been destroyed from the fighting. It continues today and there seems to be no end in sight. It is a place of death and darkness.
But in the midst of it all, in the middle of the war zone, Guidelines’ missionaries have decided to shine a beacon of light. Despite the danger, they planted and lead New Life Church in Donetsk, at the heart of the conflict. In the midst of the violence and hunger, New Life Church provides hope and refuge to people.
Recently, a man named Alexander Gutsol began attending the church. His wife died five years ago and in despair, he tried to fill his loneliness with work. He started a few small businesses but the war had destroyed all of them.
One of the church members invited Alexander to a church service. On that Sunday, Alexander experienced God as the only One who could fill the emptiness in his heart. Then on Easter, he committed his life to Jesus. His life was transformed by resurrection hope; Alexander is now attending the church’s classes for new believers and has also begun sharing Christ with his two children.
Alexander has been given new life. 2,000 years later, the God is still transforming lives with the message of Jesus.