Evangelical Churches Growing In Ukraine As War Drags On

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

KYIV/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – More than 100 new evangelical churches have reportedly opened and thousands of people have been baptized in Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of the country in February 2022, church leaders say.

The Ukrainian Baptist Union (UBU) said the war has sparked growing interest in Christianity among Ukrainians seeking hope amid continuing violence and uncertainty.

“One hundred and six new churches have been started over the past four years,” said Igor Bandura, a pastor and vice president of the union, which represents more than 2,000 congregations. “More than 13,000 people have been baptized — significantly more than before the war.”

FRONTLINE FAITH

Bandura said evangelical growth has been especially visible near the frontlines, where chaplains and missionary pastors report increasing interest among soldiers serving in the military.

“A fellow pastor serving as a full-time chaplain on the frontlines distributed more than 300 New Testaments, 27 audio Bibles, and over 670 prayer books in one month alone,” Bandura said.

He added that about 2,000 Protestant chaplains have been sent to war-affected areas, including roughly 100 full-time evangelical chaplains.

“On the frontlines, there are those saying, ‘God has found us,’” Bandura explained. “They ask for Gospel literature and want to learn how to pray.”

SEARCHING FOR HOPE

Church leaders say many Ukrainians are turning to faith as the war drags on with no clear end in sight.

“People are searching for something they can trust in these uncertain times,” Bandura said. “Even those who’ve never attended church or read the Bible begin to think about God.”

Eric Mock, senior vice president of ministry operations for the Illinois-based Slavic Gospel Association (SGA), said Ukraine has long been described as “the Bible Belt of Europe.”

“We’re seeing hundreds of young men eager to enter ministry and lead local churches,” Mock said. “Many people are looking for hope, and they’re finding that faith in Christ is the only anchor in the storm.”

Many evangelical churches have also become humanitarian aid centers, distributing food, clothing, and emergency supplies to families affected by the war, church officials said.

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