It’s been a prolonged season of both turmoil and prayer in Ukraine. Anyone who has watched world news this year is well aware of the precarious political and social situation that has unfolded and continues to unfold across Ukraine. It’s impacted the lives of MTW personnel on the field and could have implications for future ministry.

A majority of the team in Odessa, one of three MTW ministry sites in Ukraine, continues working with little interruption in their ministry. Although they are the closest in proximity to the “occupied” portions of the country, they are finding open doors and opportunities to minister the love of Christ in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. Refugees fleeing their homes in war-torn areas are finding rest in Odessa, and the MTW team there is helping to care for the displaced, both physically and spiritually.

In February of 2014, previously peaceful demonstrations in Kiev turned violent, provoking a situation described by some as “revolution” and by others as “civil war.” In the midst of this, MTW has striven to care for field personnel according to the specific needs and locations of the various teams. Some left their ministry site for a few weeks or a few months to remove themselves from the “pressure cooker” in which they were living. Others opted to return to the U.S. for Home Ministry Assignment (HMA). And still others have remained, ever watchful of the situation, and yet fully focused on working hand-in-hand with their Ukrainian partners to advance the gospel and minister to the needs of those around them.

Two MTW families remain on-site in Kiev (with one additional family on HMA), and continue to monitor the situation closely. Although the violence has shifted east, being in the capital city carries inherent risks.

The team in L’viv is geographically removed from much of the unrest. However, the church is experiencing significant stress from sending their men off to fight in the war. Many church members and MTW personnel have relatives who live in the war-torn areas of the country, adding a level of stress and concern for extended family. As a result, opportunities to minister to those who are hurting abound.

To hear what God has been doing to build His Church amid the turmoil, read our MTW Ukraine Network article, “This is our 9/11” Summer 2014.