Members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Euro-Asia Division (ESD) thank God for His protection and continue to believe in Him and serve their neighbors, preaching the Gospel both in word and deed.

Despite the favorable time of the year, the elements remind people that not everything in this world is safe, and recent events have become more frequent, testifying to the imminent coming of Christ.

As has been reported in the news, Primorsky Krai, Russia, was hit by Typhoon Hanun, causing heavy rains that flooded vast areas. This flood in Primorye (informal name) has become the most destructive in recent years. Even the territories that have never been subjected to previous elements are flooded. Thousands of people have been evacuated to safe areas. In some areas, the water continues to rise, while in others, it has already begun to recede.

These territories are inhabited by brothers and sisters in faith who, like many other citizens, are in trouble. In Spassk-Dalny, the Adventist House of Prayer was flooded, as was a nearby residential building. The pastor of this congregation evacuated an elderly woman who lived there just in the nick of time. Together with his wife, they managed to place literature and some church property to a higher, safer place. By noon on August 12, 2023, the water rose even higher. The total level in this area exceeded two meters.

The pastor moved church members out of flood-prone areas, hosting them at his home.

Four Adventist families were affected by the disaster. Leaving their flooded houses due to the swiftness of the incoming water, they were able to save only their documents and the most necessary things.

Despite the large-scale flooding in Ussuriysk, the Adventist House of Prayer turned out to be safe, as it is located on a high place. However, in the city, religious buildings of other faiths were flooded, and damage was done to many other buildings.

This calamity resulted in material losses for an Adventist family in Ussuriysk, the members of which were baptized last year.

What people will see when they return to their homes is a terrible sight: water with petroleum fuel over a meter high; furniture, beds, mattresses are completely damaged and cannot be restored; broken home appliances; silted cellars and vegetable gardens; many people lost crops, pets, and birds, which were a great help for them. It is now impossible to assess all the colossal damage and losses, and the storm, according to all data, continues to advance and expand.

Now, when Adventist brothers and sisters in the Far East region are in need of special support and help, readers are invited, on Sabbath, August 26, to join the entire ESD in intercessory prayer for those who are in trouble and now need consolation and practical help, as well as the restoration of what was lost before the onset of winter.

Photo: ESD

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Additionally, on August 26, Russian church members are invited to participate in a special collection of donations to help those affected by this disaster and restore the House of Prayer.

Jesus left an example of helping others—all those who needed it.

The ESD is grateful for everyone’s prayers, response, and help for those who need support.

"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy" (Matthew 5:7, ESV).

Thanks be to God for His mercy and support—for the great hope for the soon coming of Jesus to earth, after which there will be no suffering, disasters, or loss.

The original version of this story was posted on the Euro-Asia Division Russian-language news site.