At a meeting with the pastors during our visit to Ukraine, we heard how they are choosing to focus on the positive changes happening in their communities due to the war, in spite of the challenges they face.
All of our churches in the Cherkasy region have experienced growth in their congregations since February 2022, as their fellow Ukrainians fleeing the heaviest fighting have arrived and settled in the area. Increasing numbers have also brought increasing need, and although the early days of seemingly non-stop food and aid distribution have passed, there are still many who rely on the regular packages of essential items the churches give out.
The pastors are realistic about what brings some people into their buildings at the start of every month. “In Ukraine, God uses this difficult time to send people to church,” says Oleg, leader of Christmas Church in Cherkasy. “We see that they come and go: they listen, receive something and leave. They will come back in a month's time.”
Sergiy, pastor in Blagodatne, agrees. “Of course, there are many people who want to get help at this time. They understand that in the church they can get food and clothing.” In the small village of Kadena Gora, Dima has also found himself very busy supporting people who are struggling. “Everyone is trying to survive somehow,” he shares, “and this is one of the reasons why people come to the church. So we're flexible, we try to find out their needs, and we try to adapt the church to be able to accept all these needy people.”
It was striking to see the pastors express no frustration or disappointment with this situation, only gratitude for how God is drawing people into connection with faith communities. “Praise God that he brings people to us. It's a blessing,” Oleg says. Meanwhile Sergiy is convinced that no one will be negatively affected by attending a service, whatever their reason for being there. “They listen to the word of God, and they feel comfort when they come to church.”
Although many refugees who came to Cherkasy either continued onward to a further destination or decided in spite of the risks to return home, a significant number have stayed. Drawn in by the care and support they receive, several now attend church regularly and some have been baptised. “It is a challenge, of course, for some people to understand why God allowed the war to happen,” Sergiy reflects, “but those who have accepted Jesus, they accept that God allows this, and that it is also a blessing.”
Without a doubt, no one wants the war; no one would have ever chosen it as way for the family of God to grow. But the pastors and their church communities are committed to trusting God and his plans, even when they seem incomprehensible; and are choosing with determination to see the positive changes brought by welcoming refugees, helping them, and witnessing them come to faith. Pastor Sergiy sums it up: “Yes, this time is difficult and cruel. But I believe that we receive the grace of God.”
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