In February 2022, the global community was shocked and shaken by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Not long after, I travelled to Romania to witness the work of our church partners on the ground.
I remember standing in Tulcea—on the border between Romania and Ukraine—filming an update and urgent invitation for prayer. I watched as a flood of Ukrainians crossed the border, fleeing their homes in search of safety.
And in the midst of a rapidly growing crisis, the Church became—and continues to be—the hands and feet of Jesus. Baptist churches in Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Poland, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Georgia opened their churches to refugees, providing beds, food and clothing to those in need.
Well over 330,000 refugees fled to Moldova alone, many of whom later moved on to Romania. Moldovians provided emergency shelter in churches and Baptist camps. These shelters offered space to sleep, meals, and personal hygiene supplies. The Moldova Baptist Union also provided care at a medical clinic and offered transportation to those who wished to travel onwards from Moldova to another destination.
The Ukrainian Baptist Union set up 600 emergency shelters in Baptist churches all across the country. As food access within Ukraine became increasingly difficult, the Baptist Union established channels for transporting food into Ukraine and eligible people out of Ukraine. A logistical centre was established and included a warehouse for storing goods and food before transporting it to shelters around the country.
It was a privilege to personally see God’s people respond in practical ways, to see them care for hurting people in practical ways and bring hope and healing to a hurting world.
The war in Ukraine is far from over, and the challenges continue to mount. But through faith, resilience, and the unwavering support of the global Church, the people of Ukraine continue to press on. Their journey is one of struggle, yet it is also one of remarkable faith—a faith that continues to inspire the world.
The European Baptist Federation reflects on Three Years of Conflict
Three years into the war in Ukraine, devastation and displacement continue, yet the Ukrainian Church remains a beacon of hope, resilience, and faith. Amid shelling, loss, and the destruction of homes and infrastructure, the Ukrainian Baptist Union has grown — planting 86 new churches, baptizing over 10,000 people, and training new leaders to meet immense spiritual and practical needs. Churches have become lifelines, providing food, shelter, winter aid, and emotional and spiritual care to thousands, including displaced families, grieving communities, and returning veterans. In cities scarred by conflict, mobile kitchens serve meals, counselling offers comfort, and the Gospel is shared with compassion. Even as the future remains uncertain, the Church continues to embody Christ’s presence, helping to rebuild lives and communities’ hope
