For seven long years East Ukraine has been embroiled in a war which has brought devastation, displacement and death to many. Millions have been affected, losing homes, livelihoods, and life itself. The current pandemic has heaped more misery on this war-torn region and its people. How is the cause of the gospel and the state of evangelical church life in all of this?
The answer is – prospering and advancing! Pastor Igor, a Ukrainian national church leader likened the situation to that of Paul’s imprisonment at Rome from where he writes to the Philippian church and assures them that what has happened ‘has really served to advance the gospel’ (Phil.1:12). Despite not only the fallout from the war, but the discrimination, harassment and persecution of evangelical believers, including the burning and destruction of church buildings, Christ is faithfully building His church, and bringing hope and joy to many.
24 churches planted!
What evidence is there for this claim? The same Ukrainian church leader reports that 24 new churches have been planted in the war zone. Even violent opposition has not choked gospel growth. Furthermore, 12 new Ukrainian missionaries have been appointed recently, supported through SGA(UK)’s 70th Anniversary Project in 2020, its stated aim being the financing of 70 evangelists and missionaries to engage in pioneer evangelism and church planting.
