The Thomases to Ukraine Update

The invasion of Ukraine by Russia and the consequences caused by the assault are now 20 months old. With no end in sight, and with difficulties mounting, we give praise to the God of all grace for His faithful mercies. He is once again turning man’s evil for good and His glory! The Lord has used your prayers and gifts of grace to “Compassion for Ukraine” (CFU) as an end to His glory. CFU has now helped to purchase and distribute over 11 million pounds of aid! Aid that is being distributed by our faithful team members, who bring with them a greater commodity than aid, the gospel of Jesus Christ.  As despair and suicide increase in Ukraine, the gospel of Christ continues to bring both hope and inner peace to all who hear and receive it. A peace that the turmoil of war or fear of man cannot touch or taint.  We experienced this personally while in Kyiv and Kharkiv.

We were privileged to baptize 5 new believers at Living Hope Church of Kyiv in August. As a demonstration of their new-found faith, these dear souls removed the icons from their homes, returned them to the Orthodox Church, and decided to follow Christ in baptism. The previous day in eastern Ukraine, we participated in another baptismal service. During this service at a lake, missiles could be heard hitting in the distance. In both of these services joy was the prevalent common denominator.  Christ’s joy and peace could not be diminished, though surrounded by the terror of war. Another proof of God’s joy and peace at work in Ukraine is seeing men answering the call of God for ministry. These servants could run and hide in safer places – but they choose to stay and serve where they are! With Nehemiah, these can say, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” God is honoring their faithfulness as their churches are experiencing unprecedented growth.

With the growth of our ministry, “Compassion for Ukraine” faces new challenges as we labor during this crucial time of harvest.  CFU needs your support and prayers more than ever. The humanitarian needs in Ukraine are increasing with the deterioration that war brings, while the ministry grows through the expanding response to the gospel. Many bi-vocational pastors in eastern Ukraine are unable to work due to the war. Their savings are now depleted. Should they leave their flourishing ministries at such a time as this to move to western Ukraine to find work? Would you consider an extra monthly gift to CFU during this time of war, to help such men continue in their needed work? Would you and church family consider a special Christmas offering to CFU, to help meet important humanitarian needs? As the gospel has brought both joy and peace to so many through your sacrificial prayers and gifts, there are many more who’ve yet to hear, who live in darkness, and fear.  The gospel is the answer, Christ is their hope, and you can “make a difference.”

Your friends and fellow servants,

Derek and Julie Thomas

P.S. If you have not received a printable version of this prayer letter by email, but would like to, please write us at dthomas.sbi@gmail.com.

Also, please follow us on Instagram at missionaryderek or through our Facebook page Derek Thomas

“Compassion for Ukraine” continues to be especially burdened for the children of Ukraine, who are paying the greatest cost in the war. With an estimated 1.5 million children struggling with PTSD, and 4 million estimated to be in need of humanitarian assistance, CFU is working to bring them to the God of all grace, and healer of the soul. Since summer camps were held in Lutsk, Bible clubs have been started by our team in eastern Ukraine for children who attended and showed a desire to learn more. Pray for these and our team as they reach out to these and to the hurting children of Ukraine.

Through your gifts to “Compassion for Ukraine” we were able to help meet a need of a church in Kherson region.  The church had been hit by a missile, leaving the body with no place to meet. You can see in the photo to the left the pastor of this church between Sergio and me. Note the building in the background covered with a blue tarp and holes in the walls from shrapnel. Your donations to CFU helped repair the building, seen on the right, allowing the church to gather again inside just in time for the coming winter. Thank you!

The above block of photos is from our Summer Session at SBI in August. We had a wonderful week together, including a host of first-time students. We had 54 present, including 21 new students. Thank you for your prayers for this week and a special thanks to Matt and Jonathan Herbster who were a great blessing and encouragement to the students. Please pray for our Fall Session scheduled for November 6-10.

We held an ordination service for Dima at our closing service for SBI. There were many in attendance including a good group from Living Hope Baptist Church of Kyiv, and Dima’s father, Sergei, who was in the first graduating class of SBI 22 years ago, and now pastors Grace Baptist Church in Khmelnitskiy. Also participating in the service was Pastor Pavlo Parfeniuk, whose church hosts the sessions of SBI. Dima and Erica are kneeling in the photo and covet your prayers for God’s blessing on their ministry together as husband and wife.

What a joy to participate in two baptismal services in Kyiv and Kharkiv. I wish I could express with words the joy I saw in the countenances of those following Christ. How we praise the Lord for His work in hearts and lives, and for your partnership and prayers. Please continue praying for these pastors, churches, and for those who are in the valley of decision, still considering their commitment to Christ.

As we travel for “Compassion for Ukraine” we are encouraged by your ministry in intercessory prayer. Many victories have been won from your knees for Christ’s glory in Ukraine!

Missionary John Mott (1865-1955) rightly observed, “Prayer alone will overcome the gigantic difficulties which confront the workers in every field.”  We have some “gigantic difficulties” that we are facing in Ukraine. But through your prayers, and by our God’s grace, we shall overcome together for His glory!