An Accident Involving Church Ministers Sparks Community Prayer Vigil

On the morning of November 25, 2023, a group of ministers representing the Alliance in Ukraine were involved in a serious car accident on the icy road from Dnipro to Balakleya. The group was en route to a pastors’ meeting, where the commitment of these leaders to collaborative efforts and fellowship within the Alliance was evident.

Among the eight occupants in the vehicle were Pastor Ivan Salfetnikov and his wife Tatiana, who were actively involved in planting a new church in Kramatorsk. Miraculously, everyone survived the crash, but a teenager, Bogdan, is still in intensive care, fighting for his life with a head injury.

Andriy Chonka, a minister from Konstantinovka, suffered a fractured spine in the accident and remains in critical condition. Doctors are cautiously optimistic about his recovery, but he will be confined to bed and unable to move for more than a month. Andriy’s wife Natalia has multiple cuts and hematomas. Surgery is a possibility. The couple is hospitalized in Novomoskovsk and further medical evaluations are underway, but the community has come together to provide emotional and material support to Andriy and Natalia during their challenging journey ahead.

Svetlana and her son Bogdan suffered the most severe injuries. They are currently hospitalized in Dnipro. Bogdan’s skull was fractured, but he has recently emerged from an induced coma. Though still in serious condition, he is showing signs of improvement. Svetlana, his mother, has broken pelvic bones. The community is urging people to continue praying for Bogdan’s swift and complete recovery.

Galina, a sister to the wife of Ivan Salfetnikov, the minister from Kramatorsk who was driving, also sustained injuries. Given a pre-existing oncology condition, her situation adds an additional layer of complexity.

While Ivan and Tatiana emerged physically unscathed, Ivan’s car sustained extensive damage, making repairs a challenging prospect. The community, however, is rallying to support the affected families in this difficult time.

The resilience of this close-knit community of churches within the Alliance, comprising numerous congregations, is evident. The Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) has a strong presence in Ukraine, especially in regions affected by the war, including Kramatorsk, Konstantinovka, and Kostyantynivka. These churches play a vital role in fostering spiritual support and community bonds amid difficult circumstances.

As the community grapples with this sobering reminder of the fragility of life, a prayer vigil is encouraged for the affected individuals. Please continue to lift our brothers and sisters in prayer as they navigate their way through this challenging period.