Reconstruction in Irpin

A great blessing for the Irpin Bible Church last week was the arrival of teams consisting of 7 participants from the Netherlands and 3 members from the USA. They were able to raise funds in their countries to repair one of the Aid Centers in Gostomel. In this Center, refugees gather, a worship service is held for them, they are fed and also taught the Bible. They bought a refrigerator in the Center of Mykhailivska Rubezhivka town. Their help this time was eliminating the destructive consequences of the Russian invasion in several houses, preparing the gymnasium for the academic year, namely blocking all windows with sandbags for protection (anyone who has done this at least once will understand how hard work it is). One of the houses destroyed by the Russian occupiers was prepared for repair work... All Ukrainians who were with this team admired their hard work, dedication, and quality of work. And there is one more thing that inspired everyone: they asked that the working day should start at 6:00 am instead of 9:00 am. In just 4 days of stay in Irpin, a tremendous amount of work was done. We thank God for every heart that is open to be with Ukrainians in such a difficult time. We appreciate every prayer, every help in various forms. In such people we see God Himself.

We are the members of the Irpin Bible Church (IBC), which aims to plant an evangelical church in the city of Hostomel using a Volunteer Aid Center. On May 2, 2022, immediately after the liberation of the city from the Russian invaders, seeing an immense spiritual need of the local population, our work in the Aid center in Hostomel started. We began to gather for worship services in the premises of the «Pokrovsky» residential complex. Initially, we mostly ensured the distribution of ready meals and food packages. At the same time, the spiritual work with the residents of the city was implemented. On May 8, we held the first worship service in the premises of the Volunteer center, which was attended by about 20 new people. Now, about 80 people attend our services every Sunday, and Sunday school is also open for kids during the worship service. In addition, we carry out various work here every week: Day Center operates to distribute meals on weekdays, 5-8 pm, (100-150 people visit every day). «Overcoming the disaster» Course for people who suffered from the consequences of the war - twice a week (10-15 people). So far, about 30 people have completed the course. Bible study - 1 time a week (10-15 people). Meetings for women - once a week (40 women). Watching a movie - 1 time a week (30 people). AWANA Children’s sports club - once a week (25-30 children and teenagers). Youth club – once a week (30-40 children). The following projects were also implemented during this time: Distribution of UNICEF food kits to school teachers and kindergarten teachers in Hostomel - 220 food kits; The Children’s Day event was held for children and their parents - about 80 children; One-week children’s and teenagers’ camp - about 150 children and teenagers; A two-day Medical Mission by Christian doctors - about 100 residents of the district have received aid recently; During this time, a team of 20 Christian volunteers was formed. They serve daily at the base of the Volunteer center.