Caring for Churches in Ukraine
It could be any thriving church on a Sunday in Canada. Packed with over 250 men and women, filling the four bare walls of the sanctuary with their energy; ready to worship, hear God’s word, and pray. During the message, the pastor urges his congregants to be in God’s Word daily. A normal, everyday church, right?
Except it isn’t.
This is the Missionary Baptist Church of Chernihiv, Ukraine.
Despite the apparent normalcy of their gathering, this church, situated in this city, is nestled in the north of Ukraine just below the borders with Belarus and Russia. And the impacts of the war are evident.
It’s seen on the tired faces of the congregants
Ukrainian cities are full of the elderly. Their young people have left to fight on the frontlines or to find safety for their families, but the elderly choose not to leave because this is the only home they know. The church reflects the reality of this city. Most of the congregants don’t have work because they are old, sick, and lack physical ability. Even for those who could work, there isn’t any to be found in a city that has mostly evacuated. They live under the threat of renewed attacks and bad news of their loved ones on the frontlines. The people who come to the church come because they don’t have much to do, they are worried for their families, and they are incredibly lonely. The church gives them hope to sustain their souls, food packages to sustain their bodies, community to sustain their hearts, and something meaningful to do with their mind and their day (offering up prayers and praise to the Living God).
It’s seen on the face of the pastor
The whole region around the city was taken by Russian troops and then freed by a subsequent Ukrainian counterattack. The city resisted Russian occupation and fought them in the city streets. Many people evacuated, including pastors. The flock at Missionary Baptist Church is led by Pastor Petro, one of the few pastors who have stayed in the region despite the fighting close by. He faithfully took up the task to care for those left behind.
It’s seen on the church building
It bears the physical marks of the war. During the Russian occupation of the surrounding region, this church was hit by a Russian missile while its members took shelter in the basement below. Praise God that even though the missile hit the building, He protected the people below and the missile didn’t explode.
It’s seen in the rhythms of the church
The prayers this church offers up to God centre around the safety of their loved ones and a good end to the war. This particular church gathering (pictured above) was on a Wednesday, not the typical Sunday. As part of the service, food is distributed to those in need. Those who came were excited to hear from the Canadians who came to encourage them and pray for them. And they prayed for us, too!
This is one of the many churches that FAIR Director Norton Lages visited this summer. While there, he had the opportunity to speak and pray with those in attendance. To hear their stories and encourage them with the Gospel. To embody the vision of FAIR to alleviate human suffering and social injustice in the name of Christ.
FAIR’s Stand by Me Fall special appeal is inviting you to partner with churches like the Missionary Baptist Church of Chernihiv in Ukraine. Funds raised will go towards distribution of food and basic essentials through local churches just like this one. It will help provide encouragement and pastoral care to those who have been left behind. It will help encourage, equip, and empower local pastors just like Petro to do the work that God has placed before them: caring for the sick and the elderly and bringing the light of the Gospel to those without hope.
Your financial and prayer support make a difference to Ukrainians and the church leaders who care for them. Would you consider how you can respond in faith today?
Click here to donate to help a church in Ukraine.
Click here to join the Pray for Ukraine digital prayer room.