Only divine intervention can bring about a lasting peace in Ukraine, church leaders there say.
That’s the message from a mission organisation working in the heart of the ongoing and bloody conflict caused by Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked invasion.
Derek Maxwell, General Director of the Slavic Gospel Association (SGA) UK told en: ‘Christian leaders in Ukraine have expressed their longing for intercessory prayer for their churches and their country. They are convinced that only Divine intervention will bring about a just and lasting peace.
‘Having myself observed the unrelenting pressures encountered by Christian leaders, prayer is the greatest priority. They readily admit to being exhausted, as they try to support and provide for the weak and vulnerable in their communities. Yet they persevere, bringing much needed material and physical aid, and constantly looking for opportunities to share the Gospel of Christ and His unfailing love.’
Founded 90 years ago, The Slavic Gospel Association concentrates its Bible teaching and equipping ministry towards the Slavic nations of the world. Ever since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 it has been helping and supporting churches there.
A recent SGA update states: ‘From a human perspective the outlook for Ukraine is dark and grim. The unrelenting pressure generated by uncertainty and fear creates many emotional and psychological casualties, just as the brutal conflict results in horrible injuries and death.
One major casualty is Ukraine’s energy industry, which is now in a critical state. Russian shelling has destroyed half of its power generation capacity.'
‘One major casualty is Ukraine’s energy industry, which is now in a critical state. Russian shelling has destroyed half of its power generation capacity. Supporters are called to pray for God's guidance, wisdom for the government, support of partners, and the Church's understanding of how to act in these circumstances.
‘Up to ten of its 24 oblasts (regions) suffer daily intense shelling. Areas such as Sumy, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson regions are under constant threat of attack and occupation. Fierce fighting is ongoing in the Donetsk region, to the east. Luhansk region is almost entirely under Russian control.
‘But despite these enormous challenges, Ukraine’s churches continue to minister, spread the Good News and see people coming to faith in Jesus. They provide humanitarian and emotional assistance to the local population.
‘News about the deaths of soldiers at the front is a daily reality across Ukraine. The streets are full of people with amputations and injuries. Churches minister to the families of the fallen, including establishing veterans’ centres, organising events for the families and children of military personnel.
‘Over 4.3 million citizens have sought temporary shelter across Europe. More than 150 Ukrainian churches are working in 17 European countries. The need to minister to those refugees led us to establish the Missionary Association of the Ukrainian Evangelical Christian-Baptist churches in Europe (MAUCE), recently. Evangelical church leaders also hold regular pastoral retreats, where mission and discipleship are pointed out as the key priorities of ministry. They also answer recurring questions such as ‘how can a pastor renew and develop his spiritual work with small resources?’
‘SGA is also providing emergency support for displaced pastors, summer camps for children facing uncertainty and traumatic circumstances, and essential supplies for Ukraine’s many war widows.’
