Ukraine: Evangelical pastor killed in shelling on way to pray for wounded soldiers

Kiev's Independence Square, Ukraine (AP Photo/David Azia)

Funds are needed urgently to support the wife and children of a pastor killed in a shell attack in Eastern Ukraine.

Sergei Reuta, an evangelical church leader from Luhansk, was forced to leave his home, church and the entire area, along with his congregation, when the town was taken over by separatists.

According to Mission Network News, he was warned that if he stayed, he would be executed.

He and his family moved in with relatives near Donetsk, where he began working as a chaplain to Ukrainian solders, and became known as "Padre".

He was on his way to visit and pray with wounded soldiers when he was killed by a shell that hit his car.

Sergei's wife and three children have no means to support themselves and are in urgent need of help.

To help the Reuta family, click here.

related articles
Ukraine: Christians threatened with firing squads and pastors held hostage
Ukraine: Christians threatened with firing squads and pastors held hostage

Ukraine: Christians threatened with firing squads and pastors held hostage

Ukraine peace plan in tatters, \'frozen conflict\' takes shape
Ukraine peace plan in tatters, 'frozen conflict' takes shape

Ukraine peace plan in tatters, 'frozen conflict' takes shape

Heavy shelling rocks rebel-held Donetsk in east Ukraine
Heavy shelling rocks rebel-held Donetsk in east Ukraine

Heavy shelling rocks rebel-held Donetsk in east Ukraine

US considers arming Kiev as Moscow supports Ukraine rebels
US considers arming Kiev as Moscow supports Ukraine rebels

US considers arming Kiev as Moscow supports Ukraine rebels

News
Indian families' homes destroyed for refusing to renounce Christ
Indian families' homes destroyed for refusing to renounce Christ

As often happens, the police sided with the persecutors

Middle East Christians warn rapid growth in faith is outpacing discipleship support
Middle East Christians warn rapid growth in faith is outpacing discipleship support

Christian leaders working across the Middle East say a surge in spiritual openness is leading thousands to explore faith in Jesus, but warn that a lack of local discipleship structures risks leaving many new believers unsupported.

Young adults driving renewed interest in Christianity, research finds
Young adults driving renewed interest in Christianity, research finds

A new set of supplemental reports from the Evangelical Alliance suggests that young adults are emerging as a significant group among those coming to Christian faith in the UK, with authenticity, Scripture and community proving decisive factors in their journeys.

CofE earmarks £22m for outreach in three dioceses
CofE earmarks £22m for outreach in three dioceses

Most of the funds will go to the dioceses of Manchester and Exeter.