By Kelsey Hochstetler
Many of the people who have stayed behind in Ukraine’s militarized areas are those who cannot run away: the elderly, children, and people with disabilities.
"Certain pastors and their families have made the conscious (and potentially dangerous) decision to remain in the region to serve," said Mary Raber, a worker with Mennonite Mission Network in Ukraine.
Ivan,* one of the few Ukrainian pastors who remain, said, "Our modest ministry continues. As before [the current conflict], we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, comfort the sick, help to rebuild believers’ homes … and we quietly preach the saving gospel of Christ. As it was in Soviet times, we do it in a semi-underground way."
In a recent effort to control religiously-based terrorism, new laws in Russia forbid the sharing of religious ideas anywhere except in a registered religious organization. "Many fear that even holding a Bible study in one’s own home, or explaining one’s faith to a co-worker, will now be punishable offenses," said Raber. The laws are expected to be applied also in separatist regions of Ukraine that are supported by Russia.
"It will get harder for us. It is a time of lawlessness and the power of darkness," said Ivan. "But we believe that hell will not destroy the church of Christ."
Pray for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine, that they may continue their ministry without fear.
Pray also for the safety of those who have fled, that they can find a new place to call home.
*Ivan is a pseudonym, used to protect his identity.