On Palm Sunday, April 13, Russian troops launched a ballistic missile attack on the center of Sumy, damaging the Light of the Gospel Evangelical Christian Baptist Church. At the time of the attack, the church was holding a morning service.
According to the church, two powerful explosions were heard near the house of worship – two rocket arrivals were recorded. Despite the extreme danger, all those present in the church survived. One of the believers was injured, and many of those present experienced severe psychological stress.
The shockwave caused serious damage to the building: 17 windows were smashed and shattered, and the front door and entrance group were damaged. The community noted that thanks to God’s protection, a greater tragedy was avoided and expressed gratitude for the lives saved. The church is already planning to restore the destroyed building with God’s help, joint prayers and the support of the community.
According to the official data of the State Emergency Service, at least 32 people, including one child, were killed in the missile attack on Sumy. Ninety-nine people were injured, including 11 children. Most of the victims were recorded in a trolleybus, which was in the epicenter of the explosion.
On the day when Christians around the world commemorate the Lord’s Entry into Jerusalem, Russia once again attacked civilians. The Sumy community of Light of the Gospel asks for prayer for healing – physical, emotional and spiritual – for all the victims, as well as for peace and God’s protection for Ukraine.
