Reformed Presbyterian Church of Central and Eastern Europe

To whom it may concern or feels led by the Lord to pray and help

Dear Brothers,

Greetings in the name of our Lord!

This is a brief letter, please pardon my direct approach, but the urgency of the situation demands it.

As you all know, the war in Ukraine erupted yesterday and the situation escalated quickly. Our churches there are affected by this. The primary danger at this moment is not the bombing or any direct military actions (though this cannot be excluded at all), but the mandatory enrollment of the men. No man from age 18 to 60 can legally leave the country anymore. The other vulnerability is the chaotic situation where electricity, internet, fuel and the food supplies are not guaranteed. 

As a result, some of our members decided to leave the country and fled to Hungary. We are also approached by other refugees who are asking for a place to stay. Our local church in Miskolc is able to house up to 40-45 people and we already have 12 people here with others on the way.

One of our pastors came to Hungary because his church/parish was located nearby a military facility which is a potential target. The other pastor decided to stay in Ukraine, but I had to pick up his children at the border last night. So, some are staying, others are leaving.

What we covet first are your prayers. Pray for safety, pray that the war might end as soon as possible and pray for the testimony of our Christian brothers whether they are staying or leaving. Pray for the divided families. Secondly, if you are led by the Lord to help financially or in any other way, please contact me directly. Also let me know if you have any further questions.

We do not know how long will this last until the situation is stabilized, but these people have a variety of needs which we are trying to fulfill. They need food, clothes, medicine, some travel/fuel expenses and other subsidies. We also opened for them a new building, which will increase our utility costs in the coming weeks. Our local church people are giving generously, but any other help is welcome.       

May the Lord be with you as you intercede for us at the throne of grace!

Rev. Imre Szoke

Miskolc/Hungary