Bombings, explosions, tanks rolling into towns and cities, refugees fleeing to the borders caused us to stop in our tracks. Two years on, many in the West have sadly grown indifferent to the continued bombardment of Ukraine, and other conflicts throughout the world have taken centre stage.
SGA (UK) has pledged to stand by our brothers and sisters in Ukraine, “for the long term”. We are grateful to God for the continued prayers and support of believers in the UK and Ireland, thus enabling SGA to provide aid and finance to churches in Ukraine, to help bring some relief from the heartache and suffering. Yet beyond all this God is working to build His church!
Every week, more and more people are coming in to the churches. In Kharkiv region alone, 17 new churches were planted in 2023 and the Ukrainian Bible Society distributed 975,000 Bibles. There is great physical need but the hunger for God’s Word is greater.
Igor Bandura, vice president of the Baptist Union in Ukraine confirms the growth. “We see a tremendous interest. There is more openness to the gospel. In 2020, there were 2300 Baptist churches in Ukraine. Of these congregations, 110 were lost because of the war. But we planted 50 new churches.100 pastors serve as chaplains in the military. We ordained 200 new pastors after the invasion. Local churches need ministers to meet the great challenges of the many refugees coming.”
Two years on, we grieve for those suffering in Ukraine, with no end to the conflict in sight. Yet, we give thanks to God for the great spiritual awakening in that land. We praise Him for the work in Odessa Theological Seminary equipping men for ministry and meeting the growing need for pastors and teachers. We give thanks for the many changed lives and hearts as people turn to the Lord in faith.
