UKRAINE: Church Destroyed in Suspected Targeted Strike

Source: VOM partners, VOM Australia

On Saturday, 23 May, a Russian Shahed drone struck the building of The Light of the Gospel Church in Balakliia, eastern Ukraine. The impact sparked a fire that severely damaged the church. Remarkably, no injuries were reported, even though the church’s leader, Pastor Alexander and a small group of baptism candidates were inside at the time.

Local residents believe the strike was a deliberate attack. In recent weeks, at least three buildings belonging to Ukrainian evangelical churches have been destroyed by Russian attacks. Some also believe Pastor Alexander may have been specifically targeted.

The Light of the Gospel Church stands in a large open area, bordered by housing blocks on one side and a residential neighbourhood on the other. It serves as a major centre for evangelism and ministry, reaching not only Balakliia but also many surrounding towns and villages, including communities along the front lines in the Donetsk region. The church building was active every day, hosting worship services attended by up to 200 people, as well as youth and children’s ministries, Bible studies, feeding programmes for those in need, and a wide range of outreach activities.

When Balakliia came under Russian occupation for eight months in 2022, occupation authorities seized the church building and looted its contents. Everything that church members had been unable to hide was stolen. During that period, Pastor Alexander was arrested, brutally beaten, and tortured for two days. He later described his survival as miraculous. After his release, he and his wife escaped to Ukrainian-controlled territory. However, as soon as Balakliia was liberated, he returned to resume his ministry. With humility, courage, and deep commitment, he continued preaching the Word of God in his own region and in front-line communities throughout the Donetsk area.

The morning after the attack, at the time normally reserved for Sunday worship, Pastor Alexander and several dozen Believers gathered inside the burned-out church building. They began clearing debris and assessing what could be salvaged. Together, they sang a hymn.

Soon, the number of volunteers grew to around 100 people. Recovery efforts have continued ever since. The fire destroyed the entire roof of the 1,300-square-metre building, and most of the church’s equipment was lost, including humanitarian aid that had only recently been donated.

• Praise God that all those inside the church were spared from injury.

• Pray that the Believers in Balakliia will remain steadfast in faith and that their testimony of courage and forgiveness will draw many to Christ.

• Pray for peace in Ukraine and for those affected by the ongoing conflict to experience God’s comfort, hope and care.