The situation in Ukraine calls for the attention of the whole world because relations between Ukraine and Russia during the past year have deteriorated into a state of war which has already influenced many other nations. In addition, the spiritual condition of the country is more noticeable because Ukrainian people have become more religious than when the country was part of the USSR. Some unprejudiced observers will acknowledge that there are those in Ukraine who support Russia in its attempts to restore its former imperial power over Ukraine, but they are in a very small minority. At the same time a great number of people here have expressed their support for Ukraine during the last year.
Looking at the whole socio-political situation, we can clearly see that those who fight for Russian rule in Ukraine have become more openly religious, but their religion is expressed in strict adherence to the Eastern Orthodox Church. However, to our great sadness, we observe the same situation among Ukrainian patriots who share a common faith with their enemies. Therefore we should not be deceived by the patriotism of the one side or the other’s love for imperial power. Spiritually they are going in the same way of idolatry, in contradiction of God’s Word. Should we not first show wholehearted patriotism for heaven? We have not heard patriots of earthly countries give positive answers to this question. The spiritual condition of the Ukrainian nation is far from the standard of the Word of God, which shows that we are “a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts” (Is 65:2). Adherence to the Eastern Orthodox Church makes people superstitious rather than God-fearing.
In spite of these negative characteristics we have, in our missionary work, seen many people who expressed their adherence to the true religion, although they need instruction about Scriptural worship and practice. This is one of the main activities that we, with God’s help, are trying to accomplish, as well as to “plough fields” which have never seen a Reformed “ploughman”.
The spreading of the Word of God by our Eastern Europe Mission in Odessa and in other parts of Ukraine is going on at the same pace. We see people who are interested, not only in the Word of God, but also in the Reformed Faith as the true expression of the doctrine of the Scriptures. In addition, the present war situation causes us to see the possibility of an increase of interest, for more people are asking for Bibles in Russian, which is the language of the people who live in the area which is experiencing Russian aggression. On the other hand, because of the instability in the country, people have drastically less money to spend, and we have observed some decrease in requests for literature during the past months.
The methods of distribution in Odessa itself have undergone some change since people are very anxious, because of the war situation, when they see a strange person at the door. We continue our distribution work among wounded soldiers in the Army Hospital of Odessa. During these visits, we can see much suffering and pain, but at the same time we see that people have become serious, and the fact that they have been faced with the reality of death has made them think about their souls. It is our duty to direct them to the truth that our sins are the reason for our suffering and pain, and also that, if we do not leave our sins and cleave to the Lord Jesus, we will be faced with sufferings far worse in a lost eternity.
The number of Ukrainian soldiers is being increased by the Government as it tries to stabilize the situation. This new wave of mobilization includes all men from 20 to 60 years of age. Those who have received a call to the army and are in the army reserve have to wait until they will be called to serve. The Government is preparing for the worst scenario, and the people are expecting Russian forces to move further forward, into inner Ukraine. Odessa, being a port and transportation hub, is a main strategic point, and so is valuable for the aggressor. If we consider the worst scenario of Russian forces entering Odessa, they will not spare Protestants; they have already murdered the family of an evangelical pastor in the city of Slavyansk in the Donbas region.
Many cities, towns and villages in Donbas are without inhabitants. Over a million citizens have fled to inner Ukraine. Some of the refugees are a bit different from the other Ukrainians because mentally they still live in the time of the USSR, which is why Russian propaganda has such an effect on them.
Winter has passed and we are now in the middle of spring. During the last year, we had to learn how to survive using a wood-burning stove, because the price for gas increased by 300%. (Houses in Odessa were heated by a central gas supply and during the last two decades we never saw a house where smoke rose from a chimney.) The Canadian wood-burner we installed in the living quarters of the Mission house is effective. We are going to install a stove of the same type, but a little bit bigger, in the place of worship, because during winter in Odessa we can have temperatures of -28°C.
In spite of all these obstacles, there is hope for a Christian in this country. Proof of that is God’s mercy to His people even in these difficult circumstances, when our nation is in such a pitiful condition. Some may be proud of the fact that Ukrainians have became a nation after much trial and suffering. But what really makes a people blessed? It was following the Lord of hosts that made the 70 souls who came with Jacob into the land of Egypt a nation. The Lord Himself made them His people. It is therefore our hope and prayer that the Lord will increase His people in this country, and that what is at present a small number will become a great nation to the glory of His grace and the prosperity of Christ’s Kingdom. “Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to Thy holy name, and glory in Thy praise” (1 Chr 16:35).
Nothing is written on the unwritten page of the future which can contradict the divine faithfulness so conspicuous in the past.
Divine truth, even when preached to perfection, will not of itself affect the heart to conversion. The most overpowering authority produces no obedience unless the Holy Ghost subdue the hearer’s heart.
G H Spurgeon