But the grief over the destruction in Ukraine, the displacement of women and children and the loss of many lives should not have the last word.
In the days immediately following the invasion, we were contacted by several of our donors asking if we should do something in Ukraine. And could we, having worked since the 1990s in mission and helping persecuted Christians in the Muslim world? After working in mission and helping persecuted Christians in the communist world during the Cold War since 1964. Yes, we can. Because old love for Eastern Europe does not rust.
Since the fall of communism, the church in Ukraine has flourished. Not only physically, but also spiritually, Ukraine is a granary. However, the soil is soaked with tears. Tears of Christians who sowed with weeping (Psalm 126:5). Christians in Ukraine stand on the shoulders of Christians who before them, under communism, paid a high price for their faith in Jesus. In the former Soviet Union, Christians were sent to prison and church buildings were forcibly converted to other uses, such as swimming pools. In schools, attempts were made to indoctrinate Christian children with atheism.
While freedom of religion is widespread in Ukraine, it has been restricted in Russia in recent years, where work that can be accused of being missionary work can be punished. Not only foreigners are deported, but Russians are also fined, according to the news service Forum 18, which closely follows the situation in Russia and of which the Danish European Mission is a co-founder.
If the invasion is even partially successful, the occupied territories can look forward to significant reductions in their ability to practice their faith and beliefs.
If Russia succeeds in its invasion, Ukrainians can look forward to significant reductions in their ability to practice their faith and beliefs. The battle for Ukraine is important. It is the fight to put an end to a dictator who threatens peace in Europe - and who has called the collapse of the Soviet Union a historic catastrophe.
The struggle of Ukrainians is important and not just for themselves. They are fighting on behalf of other post-Soviet peripheral states that fear they could be the next victims of Putin's aggression.
Thank you so much for your prayers for Ukraine during this time.
