With the increased news coverage of the Russian troops amassed on the Ukrainian border, we wanted to let you know what is happening in Gorlovka.

The church family continues to meet each Sunday at the worship room, with Olga Farkovets and me joining via Skype. Although the front lines are very close to Gorlovka, life goes on for the people who live there amid the uncertainties and dangers of war. The time spent together as a spiritual family is important to provide encouragement and strength for living.

Tanya told me a couple of weeks ago that “Dedushka Peter” would soon celebrate his birthday. I made a video for Tanya to show him, and she also got him a bag full of goodies. He was grateful for both the wishes and the goodies. When Lexi was little, Dedushka Peter always had a little something – candy, nuts, fruit – in his pocket to give to her. What a blessing to be able to congratulate him on his 90th birthday!

With warmer weather the playground is full of kids. This playground has been a great gift to the neighborhood and to several generations of children. While dreaming and planning for the safe space for kids to play, we never imagined a seven-year war and the desperate need for holy ground for children to enjoy life! Those gifts given almost 20 years ago are still blessing people and doing kingdom work.     

Last year after sharing a presentation at the New Harmony Church, my friend and former college professor – Paul Tarence – said that being present each week with those women in Gorlovka is significant work! Smiling he told me he was speaking with the “view from heaven” in mind.

We are truly grateful for so many ministry partners who support our work with “the view from heaven” knowing that seeds sown and dollars spent are reaping an eternal harvest, whose value cannot be calculated in dollars and cents. Please pray that God sends us more partners to help with our current expenses… we still need to raise $96,000 before May 1 to purchase the apartment in Kyiv.

Grace and peace,

Kenny Payne