04/01/2024

First of all, I want to sincerely thank you for praying for us and supporting us every month!

   We do not know why, but the Lord still allows us to live and serve in difficult conditions. The longer the war drags on, the more desperate people become. Due to the increase in the number of shelling, people are losing their relatives.

 In order to encourage and not lose hope in God, that He reigns and with faith in victory to continue to beg for His mercy, we held an evening of praise and prayer for the churches of the entire Uzhhorod region. Roma leaders and churches were also invited. We praised the Lord and prayed for peace and victory from the Lord.

And of course we have a big challenge in the church in Piragova. Pastor Ruslan went abroad in connection with the mobilization and it is not known when he will return. Therefore, the church was left without a pastor, although Valera serves the church. Therefore, I decided to visit this church more often now, since they were left without a pastor. Together with other leaders, we plan to make a visiting schedule so that each leader can also visit the church on Piragova.

  Continue to pray for us, for my family, that we may continue to be consecrated to serve the Roma population.

Pastor Vlad

01/26/2024

We continue to live and serve in difficult conditions. Unfortunately, the war continues. The shelling of our territories does not decrease, the offensive of the Russian army is becoming more intense. We have not an easy challenge: to go through a difficult path and not lose hope in God's power and in the fact that He controls everything. The situation is such that many men will be drafted into the army. Two Roma leaders, Edik and Ruslan, were given a notification letter to appear at the Military Commissariat (Recruitment Centre) , and now their issue is being resolved. I contact them, encourage them to trust God and His leadership in everything. We believe that the Lord will help us get through this difficult time and will give us victory and Ukraine will be free from enemies.

We continue to meet with leaders for study and prayer. Together with Ruslan, they planned further services so that the Gospel would change the Roma population. Now is such a time that it is difficult to plan in advance because we do not know what the situation will be "tomorrow". I visit Roma churches, with the main message "God is great, strong and does His will", I pray that the Lord will change their hearts.

Thank you for your open hearts, praying for us and supporting us. Continue to pray that Christians do not despair and believe in God's power and continue to trust in the Lord. The longer the war lasts, the more despair is felt and people (especially the Roma) are worried about how to live on. Today, more people are being drafted into the army. A large number of pastors are called to the army to defend our country . Roma leaders and other men are concerned that they may be drafted into the armed forces. May the Lord bless and protect you, be with you and work with His grace.

Pastor Vlad

5/11/2023

Life and ministry continue by God's grace. Thank you for your open heart, for supporting us, and for praying sincerely. We believe that the Lord will show His mercy to our people and we will win in a difficult war. I believe that God's grace will work among the Roma population.

生命和事工都藉着神的恩典而延續。感謝您們敞開心扉，支持我們，並真誠地祈禱。我們相信上帝會向我們的人民顯示祂的憐憫，我們會在艱難的戰爭中獲勝。我相信上帝的恩典會臨到羅姆人中。

A motivational conference was held with Roma leaders and ministers from our churches. It was a good time where they talked about the importance of understanding the Scriptures and correct interpretation. We want to continue training, already in a smaller circle, for Roma leaders, so that the Lord may convert their hearts to the correct interpretation of the Scripture. Together with the preachers, we will teach them sermons, we plan June 16-17 to hold such a meeting.

來自我們教會的羅姆人領袖們和牧者們舉行了一次勵志性的會議。這的確是一個好時機讓他們談論聖經和明白對聖經有正確解釋的重要性。我們會繼續為羅姆人領袖們進行培訓，已經開始了一個較小的組别，這樣主就可以使他們的心轉向追求對聖經的正確了解。我們會和講員一起給他們講道，計劃在6月16-17日舉行這樣研經的聚會。

Also, every month starting from 13.05 (this Saturday) I will hold a class with Romani leaders on Bible doctrines and religious teachings.

此外，從5月13日開始，每個月我都會舉辦聖經教義和宗教教義課程給羅姆人領袖們一起學習。

Continue to support us in prayer so that Roma leaders love God and people; that the Lord would show mercy and change their hearts to be faithful to the Lord and seek His will.

請繼續在禱告中支持我們，求使羅姆人領袖們愛上帝和人民；求主施憐憫，改變他們的心，使他們忠於主耶穌，尋求祂的旨意。

Pray for me and my supportive family; that the Lord would give us the wisdom to allocate time for more effective ministry. Also wisdom in communicating with Roma leaders for their spiritual formation.

請為我及支持我的家人禱告；求主賜給我們智慧，分配時間進行更有效的事奉。更賜我智慧與羅姆人領導們溝通，促進他們的屬靈栽培。

— Pastor Vlad, House of Mercy

— Vlad牧者，恩慈之家

4/6/2023

HOM recently made a humanitarian delivery to the Koncovo Roma camp (near Uzhhorod area). The conditions are tough but the electrical and power conditions has improved a bit. Now they have more stable power but it is still not available full time. Many Roma camps continue to have no power or very little.

恩慈之家最近向 Koncovo Roma 的營地（Uzhhorod地區附近）提供了人道主義式的物資援助。他們情况仍然艱難，電氣和電力有些微改善。現在他們有比較穩定的電力，但仍然未能全時間使用。許多羅姆人營地仍然沒有電力或少許的電力供應。

3/17/2023

HOM just completed another humanitarian delivery to the frontline. This time at Konstantinovka which is near Luhansk and Mariupol. Paraphrased from an update from HOM’s Pastor Vasya:

During the last months we’ve been sending a lot of aid to the war area. Pastor Andrew works hard to distribute food, clothing and things to people there. The need is great, some places’ situation is extremely tough. Constant bombing by air forces. We have been distributing many bibles and Christian books.

Please keep praying for Pastor Andrew, Viktor and all our volunteers who continue serving.

恩慈之家剛剛完成了對前線戰區的另一次人道主義物資運送。這次是在Luhansk 和 Mariupol 附近的Konstantinovka。

轉述自恩慈之家Vasya牧者的最新情况： 在過去的幾個月裡，我們一直在向戰區提供大量援助。Andrew牧者努力的工作，為那裡的人們分發食物、衣服和需要物件，需求是很大，有些地方的情況非常嚴峻。空軍不斷轟炸。我們一直在分發許多聖經和基督教書籍。 請繼續為Andrew 牧者、Viktor 和我們所有繼續服務的義工們祈禱。

2/1/2023

Volunteers from House of Mercy have gone to Bakhmut which is now the epicentre of the war.

恩慈之家的志願者已經前往Bakhmut, 那是現時的戰事中心區域。

There are a lot of people who live in the damaged houses with many children. HOM delivered of food packages, bread, and generators. Also the men helped the local people to fix windows with wood-pressed plates. There was a lot of broken glass from the explosions. A lot of wood is being delivered to many Roma families now.

仍有很多人帶著孩子們住在被破毁的房子裡。恩慈之家幫助運送食品包裹、麵包和發電機給他們。有些男人幫助當地人用木板修補窗戶。爆炸力大做成很多玻璃窗都被震碎了。他們也運送大量木材給許多羅姆人的家庭使用。

10/17/2022

An update from HOM (slightly edited for grammar):

Thanks to God's grace, we are alive and serving the Roma population. On October 10, the whole country again experienced upheaval. The aggressor does not stop and decided to shoot missiles at the city, killing civilians. On this day, 83 rockets were fired and there was an attack by drones. My children went to school and were in bomb shelters the entire time! When we received information about the launch of a rocket and explosions in various cities we expected that it would fly to Transcarpathia. But the Lord showed His mercy, and people have a "safe" place to live. All other cities were shaken, when rockets flew into residential buildings, playgrounds, places where people gathered. These are terrorist acts.

Our Roma brothers and sisters are also worried about this. We continue to serve the Word and I observe that now is the time when we need to put even greater emphasis on the Bible. More than ever, we cry out to the Lord, praying for His mercy to our people.

I will tell you a little about the church in Serednje...A family that fled the war lives in our house of prayer. The man serves as a military chaplain. He expressed a desire to travel with me to the camps, preaching the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. We visited this camp and I saw some people's sincere joy after his sermon. He compared the Romani people to the Israelis - a great nation that God loves.

A large number of immigrants lived in Serednje. Most left for different places. Now there are 3 brothers from Zaporizhzhia. One has already started preaching in the church and helps Pastor Edik in his ministry. Edik and the whole church greatly ministered to the people when they were fleeing the war. We also have challenges: for a couple of months it was not possible to gather all the leaders of the churches. The leaders themselves are very scared to be called to defend the country. Today, it is important for every leader to seek God and not lose faith. Only the Lord can strengthen hearts and make a leader capable of continuing to serve people by fulfilling His calling. It is important that every leader does not lose heart and helps people endure difficulties.

Thank you for your sincere prayers, the Lord is working. Thanks for your support - it's appreciated! We look forward to your video for the conference of Roma leaders (CIM recorded clips of encouragement and prayer for an upcoming conference). And most of all, we want to meet in person and serve together in the camps and taste delicious grilled meat.

May the Lord be with you!

9/30/2022

Although we have not posted an update on this page for several months, we have been in regular contact with our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.

Earlier in the month, we collected video messages of encouragement and prayer to send to House of Mercy (HOM).

We also received this message from HOM on September 17th:

<image not shown for privacy: a baby swaddled in a pink and white polka dotted blanket, sleeping soundly on a black couch>

A hello from a one day old war zone baby from Ukraine. She was sleeping on the sofa at house of mercy office. This family escaped from area near Kharkiv war zone just arrived in Uzhhorod as refugees. The family has lost everything but gained a baby. Just want to pass onto you the greetings and appreciations from Ukraine HOM. We all have a part to do whether inside or outside Ukraine. HOM work hard to serve refugees, we work hard in prayers and support raising for them 🙏🙏❤️❤️. Thank you. May God bless you for your part of the contributions along side with other ministries at home or elsewhere; in Ghana or in Togo as well. At times of struggles, we turn our eyes upon Jesus and may realize the blessing in disguise.🙏

As of our communication earlier this week, HOM is still very busy supporting and helping refugees. Due to the renewed war front in the east, more and more refugees are heading west to their area to escape the war.

Refugees needs increasing in a daily basis. They are helping about 300 to 400 refugees plus preparing and delivering 3000 meals a day.

As the weather getting colder in Ukraine and winter is about to arrive, they anticipate increased challenges. All the while, they are expecting more and more people will move to their area. They continue to need our prayers and supports as they do their best to keep up with the needs of all those who have sought refuge at House of Mercy. The church, many homes in the community, House of Mercy camp and Mercy farm continues to host refugees.

6/20/2022

Below is a summary of a phone conversation with leaders at House of Mercy.

Another donation transfer just went through to House of Mercy. It is much needed money for humanitarian support as there are many many refugees they serve every day. The money will be used to buy food and make meals for refugees.

Currently they need to make more than 2000 meals per day for refugees. Many more children and people are still staying at the church and their homes. So far more than 3000 refugees have come to them for assistance. Some of them have moved on but some are staying. Many of them come from the east in the badly destroyed areas. Some of them have no homes to return to as their homes were totally destroyed by the bombing and attacks.

As refugees come through, they share endless horror stories of the many unimaginable things happening across Ukraine.

The Roma pastors are serving the refugees and many nonbelievers. The church has two services per day to teach God’s word to people. Many have come to accept Jesus and amidst everything that is happening, they are having a baptism in July with over 10 people.

On the first day of the war. A German church offered to bring everyone from HOM to a safe place in Germany and provide everything. But as they prayed…one by one, those at House of Mercy felt convicted not to leave but to stay to help. It is indeed God’s timing that they are here to serve many people. If they took the opportunity to leave, there will not be help available for these refugees.

Please keep praying for Ukraine, House of Mercy and the Roma pastors and churches 🙏🙏

6/9/2022

The following update is a message from House of Mercy. Some parts have been redacted to protect the privacy of individuals mentioned.

I never could have imagined that we would live in a time when we could not plan our lives and ministry for the future. We look to the future with prayer and with faith in the Lord, learning to live in the middle of war. We do not stop asking for God's mercy on our country, so that fewer people die and go to the eternity without the Lord. Mortality and homicides are quite high every day. I had an opportunity to talk to a pastor who served in Irpen. This is a city near Bucha, Kyiv region, where brutal killings of civilians took place. I could never imagine that Russian soldiers (the people) are capable of such acts. The President of Russia said that every Ukrainian Nazi deserves to die. It's weird to live with someone who thinks you're a Nazi for no reason.

But thank God, by His grace He protects our country and strengthens the army through the help of different countries. Thank you very much for your prayers and support. Continue to pray with us that God will revive our country as He wants to see it.

Thank God the service among the Roma people continues.

Most Roma leaders were involved in serving the refugees. The challenge is that a large number of people in the camps have gone to live abroad. But in their place came people from the cities where the fighting is taking place. This Sunday I was in a camp, there were about 6 locals at the meeting and all the other people were refugees. Interestingly, Roma people came from other cities and now they can hear the Gospel. Perhaps, had it not been for the war, they would never have heard or accepted the Gospel.

A pastor from Perechyn, is in Germany where his daughter is receiving treatment. Her condition is deteriorating, she had a (cancer) relapse.

Pray for the Roma that the leaders seek the Lord in everything. So that they do not grieve that most have left, but serve the people whom the Lord gives today. Pray for me, my family, that the Lord will guide and use me to serve the Roma. I want to be useful for His glory so that the Roma people follow Jesus!

5/27/2022

The situation in Ukraine remains to be very difficult as the war continues.

Although the demand for House of Mercy’s humanitarian support are increasing daily. The actual aid received has been decreasing. Initially HOM received 3 to 4 container truck loads per day in the beginning of the invasion, it has now slowed down to 1 truck load every 4 to 6 weeks.

House of Mercy is continuing to do the best they can with what is available to help all the refugees of displaced families and children.

Please continue to pray for Ukraine and protection over the House of Mercy ministries. If you are able, please consider donating to the Ukraine Crisis Fund.

5/11/2022

Prayer requests from House of Mercy:

1. For the end of the war and peace in Ukraine

2. For our soldiers who protect our country - God’s protection and strength for them

3. For our president and government, may God protect and give them wisdom

4. For our volunteers who deliver help to the hot spots: Volodya, Viktor, Angelina, Valera and others - for God’s protection over them

5. For the strength for our workers and volunteers who work hard to help people in need

6. For wisdom for our team to find the right words to comfort people who suffer

7. For more opportunities to help refugees, especially more places to settle people because there are more and more coming from the eastern Ukraine

5/5/2022

The war started 54 days ago. Your donations have been continually sent over to purchase supplies and sustenance. HOM has been actively serving and caring for the people in their area, the nearby Roma camps as well as the ongoing flow of refugees.

Our brothers and sisters in Ukraine are exhausted but remain strong in their faith and hope in Jesus.

We were notified that the missile attacks and bombing is getting closer and closer to Uzhhorod (where House of Mercy and children’s centre is located).

Yesterday the first missile reached a region just 70 km away. Please pray for peace and protection over HOM and Uzhgorod, may God have mercy on Ukraine.

3/25/2022

House of Mercy has received your generous donations and have been able to buy food from a wholesaler. This will allow them to be able to feed the hundreds of refugees staying at House of Mercy as well as at the Roma camps. They would like us to extend a big thank you to everyone that donated.

However, given the large number of people to care for, this food will not last long. So if you are able, please continue supporting our brothers and sisters in Ukraine in prayer and with donations.

“Vi har fått kjøpt mat av en grossist i Ukraina, plutselig var det muligt igjen ❤️ingenting er bedre og vi slipper transport utgifter og vi får mer for pengene. En stor Takk til Mission CIM Canada og til alle som har gitt penger til mat. Dette vil forsvinne fort ut , det er så mange som trenger vår hjelp. ❤️Og behovet for mat er enormt.”

3/11/2022

House of Mercy has been busy delivering and distributing food and supplies for all those in need.

There are rumours of more bombing targeting western Ukraine, airports and infrastructures, etc. This morning, a city 280 km away from Uzhhorod was bombed. Many people are living in constant fear that their region may be attacked or soon be attacked.

There are a lot of children staying at HOM, some of which are orphaned.

There are also many refugees passing through. Some are planning to stay and wait to see how the invasion progresses before leaving the country. Many don’t want to leave but do not see any other choice.

Another 150 women and children are expected to arrive at HOM. Every single available space has already been taken so the leaders are at a lost for how to accommodate and care for the incoming people but are still determined to help. Please pray for miraculous and generous provision.

3/3/2022

HOM’s refugee count is now around 300 people. It is difficult to keep track due to how much is changing every day. Every available space is being used; some are staying in the homes of church members and even the storage shed is being used a sleeping quarters.

The Roma Camps that House of Mercy regularly serves are running out of food and many people are starving. The refugees staying at HOM are pitching in to help prepare 500+ food packages for those in the Roma camps.

Tomorrow they are expecting the first delivery of humanitarian aid supplies to arrive. Pray that it reaches HOM safely and that it can provide some relief.

We were able to talk with one of the pastors from HOM today and though the tensions are continually rising and bombings continue, he wanted to express how grateful he and the HOM team is to have support from brothers and sisters all over the world. Please continue to lift up Ukraine in prayer.

3/1/2022

It has been a particularly difficult day for our contacts in Ukraine. They have been flooded with messages from all over the country, sharing news of more bombing of residential areas. As much as they are able, people are hiding in their basements.

Wherever you are, please take a moment to pray for their protection and for this horrible violence to stop. May God continue to provide strength and comfort to all those that are suffering.

2/28/2022

Thank you so much to the generous donors that have given already to the Crisis Fund in the past week.

Roughly 150 people are being cared for by the House of Mercy community, though this number fluctuates a lot every day as many people are coming and going. Please continue to pray that the refugees would get the supplies and assistance needed.

Summarized prayer updates from Ukraine:

Please pray for protection over Ukraine, particularly for the children. The bombing has impacted residential areas of various cities. Today the residential neighbourhoods of Kharkiv was bombed during the negotiations.

Pray for our defending soldiers, may God give them strength and protect them. May He fight for them with His almighty power.

Pray for President Zelenskyy’s leadership. May God protect him and give him wisdom.

Pray for protection and travelling mercies as many refugees and volunteers are traversing through the country to get as many to safety as possible.

May the eyes of people be opened — there is a lot of misinformation about the war and why it is happening to justify the invasion.

Psalm 35:1-9

1 Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me;
    fight against those who fight against me.
2 Take up shield and armor;
    arise and come to my aid.
3 Brandish spear and javelin
    against those who pursue me.
Say to me,
    “I am your salvation.”

4 May those who seek my life
    be disgraced and put to shame;
may those who plot my ruin
    be turned back in dismay.
5 May they be like chaff before the wind,
    with the angel of the Lord driving them away;
6 may their path be dark and slippery,
    with the angel of the Lord pursuing them.

7 Since they hid their net for me without cause
    and without cause dug a pit for me,
8 may ruin overtake them by surprise—
    may the net they hid entangle them,
    may they fall into the pit, to their ruin.
9 Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord
    and delight in his salvation.

2/27/2022

The Belarusian president will decide if Belarus will take part in this war on the Russian side today. Please pray that it won’t happen.

2/26/2022

“Please tell everyone that we feel your prayers. God is with us, we can feel that! Please don’t stop praying! Another night is coming! May God help our soldiers to hold on and protect our country! May God protect all the people and especially kids who are under fire right now. We need a miracle, we need your prayers so much!”

2/25/2022

Direct message from a friend in Ukraine:
Our capital, Kyiv is under the biggest attack tonight!! This night is critical!
PLEASE, wherever you are, pray and fast for Kyiv and for Ukraine!!!

2/24/2022

The situation is continuing to worsen with many bombings throughout the country. The damaged roads and bridges is making it even more difficult for refugees. Many refugees are struggling to find accommodation. Please continue to pray for their safety.

The Ukrainian government is making guns available for civilians those who want one to defend the country. More and more people are making their way to Western Ukraine now.

Air space is closed. Martial law declared. The reserve army is being mobilized.

Our CIM Roma ministry partner in Ukraine, House of Mercy (HOM) is about a 4 hour drive south of Lviv, 30 minutes from Hungary and Slovakia.

我們在烏克蘭的 CIM Roma 事工合作夥伴恩慈之家 (House Of Mercy) 位於Lviv以南約 4 小時車程，距Hungary 和 Slovakia 約 30 分鐘車程。

Currently HOM is sheltering many refugees and serving as a meeting point as many people as they try to get to safety.

目前，恩慈之家正在為許多國內難民提供庇護所，並作為難民要到達安全地點的中途站。

Every update we have received from our friends in Ukraine, includes a desperate plea for prayer, that we intercede for them. Brothers and sisters, let’s continue to be united in prayer.

我們是從烏克蘭的朋友收到每一次訊息更新，包括迫切的祈禱懇求我們為他們代禱。弟兄姊妹，讓我們繼續同心禱告。

If you would like to donate to an emergency fund for HOM, please e-transfer to “donate@cimcanada.org” or mail a cheque to our PO Box with the memo “Ukraine Crisis”. Or you can use the CanadaHelps form below. All donations are eligible for a Canadian tax receipt.

倘若您願意向恩慈之家的應急基金捐款，請將電子轉賬發送至“donate@cimcanada.org”，或將支票郵寄到我們的郵政信箱，並附上備註“烏克蘭危難”。或者您可以使用下面的 CanadaHelps 表格。所有捐款都可以獲得加拿大退稅收據。

For donations from outside of Canada, please note that the amount is in Canadian currency. Please select the correct country in the address and enter your address details manually.

從加拿大以外的捐款請注意，金額以加幣計算。請在地址中選擇正確的國家，並輸入您的詳細地址。