The place in western Ukraine where CMS people in mission have been staying with dozens of fellow church members is viewed as a temporary refuge centre. Our colleagues report that due thousands more of people arriving in the area from Mariupol, Chernihiv and Kharkiv, they are being encouraged to move to a new location: “So many people have lost their homes, therefore they need to make space available…we plan to head south to a region where some of our church leaders are from,” mission partner Alison Giblett writes, adding that they will possibly stay in a local church building once they arrive. The group are grateful to have been able to stay where they are for as long as they have: “It has been easy to gather for worship and prayer day and night.”

And a heart-warming highlight: “Our life is not boring. Valery (CMS local partner and church leader) led two weddings for young people in our church at the weekend.

“Tomorrow two of our group will receive baptism. Wednesday we will head south. Please pray for safe travels and wisdom for all the practical arrangements.” Some of these practicalities include having enough fuel and working vehicles to transport everyone safely.