Ukraine Believers Hang on to Hope, Faith, as War Rages Around Them

Ukraine Believers Hang on to Hope, Faith, as War Rages Around Them

War battered Ukraine has been enduring Russia’s hostile attempt to take over the nation for well over three years now. Many Christians have been able to escape and make their home elsewhere in the region, but others choose to stay, holding on to hope and faith and attempting to minister in the midst of the war.

An estimated 13 million people are stranded and trapped in war torn areas, and the needs for food, shelter, psychological and spiritual support and help making preparations for the coming winter are great. These are only some of the challenges faced since 2022 by organizations such as World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), according to the WEA website.

“More than 400 drones hit Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, recently in just one night,” Eric Mock, senior vice president of ministry operations at evangelical mission agency Slavic Gospel Association told the Christian Newswire. “The people there face death and destruction every day. Fear and anxiety are raging. Young women send their husbands off to the front, knowing they might never see them again. All of this is a huge test of their faith.”

An estimated 600 churches have been destroyed, and many more churches are without pastors or male leadership. Nevertheless, the women and children continue to hold tight and trust Jesus to care for them.

“It’s so powerful. They are keeping their faith when the world around them says ‘where is your God?’” Pastor Mock, a frequent visitor to Ukraine, told the Christian Newswire. “I find their faith extremely humbling.”

His wife frequently visits a retreat near Kyiv where she encourages and ministers to women whose husbands are on the front lines serving as chaplains.

A pastor named Vlad is one of many chaplains who puts on body armor every day and heads to the front line to serve as a chaplain

“Jesus used to go where there was pain, where it was difficult, where people needed him,” said Pastor Vlad.  “We’re going where Jesus would go.”

“Ukraine has been referred to as the ‘Bible Belt of Europe’,” Slavic Gospel Association (SGA) president Michael Johnson told the Christian Newswire. “We’re seeing their faith being tested under the most stressful circumstances. It is a privilege to serve them.”

A woman named Alla told SGA her tragic story about losing her husband in the war effort and becoming the widow of four small children. She made her way to a shelter, where she was assisted by the ministry with trying to begin her life again.

“When it seems that there is no more strength, the Lord sends support through people, prayers, and help at the most difficult moment,” she said.

“I don’t know what will happen next. But I know God holds my hand. And I won’t give up. Because of my children, because of my husband’s memory, because of the light that will come, I must move on. We’re alive. We believe. We’re holding on. And we are waiting for the day when instead of fear, there will be peace. Instead of loss, [there will be] healing instead of tears. Because if God leads, the pain will pass.”