International (MNN) — Do you think of Easter as a victory day? 

“In the countries we serve, Easter has greater prominence among the churches even than Christmas,” says Erick Mock with Slavic Gospel Association. “Easter becomes a profound time of worship.”

The victory concept carries a particular poignancy in countries like Ukraine, Israel, Russia and many others where SGA partners with local churches. Destruction and discord have loud voices. Yet Mock tells the story of one woman who discovered God’s voice even in mayhem.

While in Ukraine, he met an older woman who had lost her family and home. She often didn’t know where her next meal would come from. But she wore a beautiful smile.

“Please tell me why you’re smiling,” he said after hearing her story.

In a time of great uncertainty, God is bringing help, healing, and hope to the people of Ukraine through SGA-supported pastors, churches, a seminary and SGA-supported Compassion Ministry.
(Photo, caption courtesy of Slavic Gospel Association)

“Because everything tragic that happened in my life led me to this place where I found the grace of God,” she replied. “God has filled my heart with peace and joy, independent of my circumstances, and I know heaven is before me. Whatever happens to me, heaven is there.” 

That same hope in Jesus’ resurrection is yours today, if you know Christ. 

”Even as you watch the chaos in this world, or even some of the chaos in our own country, [I encourage you] to see Easter as a point of victory, a point of celebration that our lives are not determined by our circumstances — both positive and negative — but it’s the hope we have in Jesus Christ, by His grace, through faith,” says Mock. 

This Easter, SGA is boosting support to missionary pastors so they can deliver more aid to their neighbors in the name of Christ. It opens the way to invite people to church and hear the gospel — like it did for Sergei in Belarus. Pray for many people to be drawn to Jesus this Holy Week.

Learn more about SGA here. 

 

Header photo: In a time of great uncertainty, God is bringing help, healing, and hope to the people of Ukraine through SGA-supported pastors, churches, a seminary and SGA-supported Compassion Ministry. (Photo, caption courtesy of Slavic Gospel Association)