The first week of December, I had the opportunity to travel to Poland and Ukraine with a delegation of Christian leaders. We met with members of the Ukrainian Parliament, the Rada, who both thanked Southern Baptists for the way our denomination has come alongside the most vulnerable people in a time of war. We also meet with evangelical and Baptist leaders in both countries.
Southern Baptists have given generously through the IMB and Send Relief to help feed and clothe millions of Ukranian refugees, many of whom have fled to Poland. In Krakow, we heard from evangelical leaders who spoke of the way these refugees, many of whom are evangelical, have swelled Polish churches and have even helped plant more Ukranian-speaking congregations in Poland. Near the border, we spoke with one pastor whose small church faithfully served their brothers and sisters who have trekked across the border, escaping the war.
In Kiev, Ukraine’s capitol, I had the chance to personally meet with Baptist leaders, including Igor Bandura, the vice-president of the Ukrainian Baptist Union. Bandura communicated how grateful he was for the support of American Southern Baptists as his churches continue to serve their communities. Bandura hosted our team at a Baptist church in Kiev and briefed us on the situation in his country.
Many Baptist pastors face significant persecution in Russian occupied parts of Ukraine. We heard many stories of pastors who have been arrested, imprisoned, and even killed as the advancing Russian armies shut down evangelical and Baptist work and demand worship that conforms to the Russian state-aligned Russian Orthodox church. Yet in the midst of this, Baptists in Ukraine are committed to serving their communities, including the many orphans created by the war and the many returning soldiers who struggle with trauma from the war’s violence.
We also heard reports from the Ukrainian Baptist Theological Seminary in Lviv. This seminary, 300 miles from the capitol, is Europe’s largest evangelical seminary, with around 2,000 students enrolled. It’s president, Yurislav Pizh, is a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. When Russian invaded in 2022, UBTS, immediately set up care centers around the country. They now total 14. These centers, who partner with Send Relief, help care for the spiritual and physical needs of Ukrainians while also giving students practical ministry opportunities. The seminary continues to train students for ministry in both English and Ukrainian. This year alone, their students have planted over 50 churches around the country.
What struck me about my visit is the resilience of the Ukrainian church. During hardship and loss, they continue to preach the Gospel and minister to their nation. While they pray and urge us to pray for a just and lasting peace, they recognize that ultimately Ukraine’s flourishing will only come with spiritual revival. Pastors on the ground tell me that people in this war-torn country are hungry for the Gospel. One told me, “It’s harvest time.”
Ukraine is not only a proud country fighting for its freedom, but a hub for evangelical activity around Europe. It has the greatest concentration of evangelicals in Eastern Europe. Christian leaders told me they feel this conflict has a spiritual dimension and that the enemy wishes to stop the Gospel work their churches are engaged in. Yet, despite hardship, closing churches, arresting pastors and restricting freedoms in the occupied territories, many people are hearing the Good News of Christ’s saving faith.
As we gather for Christmas here in the United States, thankful for our freedoms, we should not hesitate to think of our dear brothers and sisters in the nation where Christianity first came from the Apostle Andrew. And as we sing, “Peace on earth, good will to men,” may we offer prayers for our fellow Baptists in Ukraine.
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