As a result of government regulations passed due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Andrew Bulyhin and the Sumy International Church Plant in Ukraine have been prohibited from gathering, just as many other churches around the world. They have been limited to Zoom conference calls in the place of gatherings and phone calls for personal fellowship and discipleship. However, despite the obstacles, Andrew and his family have found a new and unique way to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a time of crisis.
One of the great struggles that essential workers such as doctors and nurses face in Ukraine is transportation. Many do not have the means to get to work and back home. In response to this, members of the Sumy community gathered to develop a service to come to the aid of these essential workers. HelpDoctorSumy was founded, and through this service, doctors, nurses, and other essential workers are given free rides to work and back home each day. Andrew and his wife Luba now volunteer along with other drivers, and use the opportunity to share the good news of the Gospel with the doctors and nurses, providing for their spiritual needs while their need of transportation is being filled. They do this by sharing fellowship and encouragement with the essential workers, giving them a book they use at the church planting called “Ambulance For The Soul,” which shares the message of the Gospel of John along with commentaries and other life application notes, sharing Jesus with the medical professionals as they’re driven to work and back. In the past few weeks, since they began this ministry, they have given away as many of these books as they have in the previous few years!
Most of the people involved in the International Church Plant in Sumy do not have cars. They provide prayer support as Andrew and the team provide a beacon of hope to these workers on the frontline of the medical battles against the pandemic, through Scripture, such as Psalm 91. “One night I helped bring a nurse home, and she shared with me how difficult her day was, as many patients at her hospital had had heart attacks that day. I shared Psalm 91 with her and the book and our conversation brought her hope and encouragement.” Soon after, Andrew also met another nurse from the same emergency room, and shared the book and a word of encouragement with her, as well. Andrew wakes up at 5:30 AM each day to serve and sometimes gets back around 10 PM. Through Andrew’s service, so many medical professionals who are going through some of the most difficult times of their careers and lives are receiving the hope of the Gospel, and the encouragement of a helping hand.
As the world navigates its way through the COVID-19 Pandemic, pray for Andrew and Luba as they continue to find creative ways to show the love of Christ to their neighbors and serve the Lord faithfully. We hope that their story will inspire you to find ways to serve and show God’s love in your community, as well!
