When hope is in short supply: Christian leaders in the war-zone 

‘People showing up and standing with us is a powerful act of solidarity that helps us keep going. It shows us that we are not forgotten.’ (Ukrainian church leader)  

At the start of this month, Jason Lane travelled to meet courageous Christian leaders who are serving near the front line in Ukraine, from the key port of Odessa to the regional capital of Kherson. Showing up means a huge amount to communities living under constant bombardment. Innovista’s Ukraine team is committed to standing with Christian leaders serving in some of the most dangerous and challenging parts of the country.  

This month your support has enabled us to send $40,000 to support 13 projects across Ukraine, run by Christian leaders who are looking out for the most vulnerable: from providing safe places to sleep, repairing bombed homes, giving safe water and food, and supporting traumatised families. 

Constant crisis mode 

It is hard to describe what it is like doing ministry in the pressure cauldron of a war-zone. You are in constant ‘crisis mode’. Jason Lane describes it as trying to build a plane while flying it. Every action must count. The needs are endless and the risks are high. In Kherson, the Russian forces are wreaking havoc on the population from the other side of the river.  The pavements are pockmarked, windows are stuffed with sandbags and covered with plywood, and many buildings have suffered damage from cluster bombs. Church buildings have become a physical refuge for many who are scared to sleep in Soviet-era high-rise apartments, and every basement has been put to creative, multi-purpose use. 

Sacrificial service 

The Christian leaders who have stayed have strongly sensed God calling them to serve where they’re needed most. One declared, ‘Nothing will move me from here’. The choice to stay is costly. Many have made heart-breaking decisions to send their families to safety, while they stay to face the danger.  

Rebuilding the Kingdom  

So many people have fled this area, that most churches were left with only around 20% of their congregations. Christian leaders have had to rebuild their own teams, and take up new roles, at the same time as caring for the shattered communities around them. Whether housing the vulnerable, repairing bombed houses, giving emergency supplies, or supporting the traumatised, churches have been at the front and centre of providing crucial humanitarian help.  

Hope for the hurting  

Even in the chaos and carnage of war, God is working in extraordinary ways. People can clearly see the selfless service of Christian leaders who have chosen to stay, even though they had the option to leave. Many are coming to the Church in search of help and hope, and many then come to a life-transforming faith.  

As the war continues and more and more people face being drafted into the military, new Christian leaders are stepping up to serve their communities through the Church. Innovista is committed to supporting both established and emerging leaders. Christian leaders in Ukraine are carrying a heavy burden, as they tend to the deep physical, mental and spiritual scars of their communities and live through the daily horrors of war.

While the headlines still focus on the wider conflict that is raging, please help us to keep showing up alongside these tired and courageous Christian leaders.  You are helping them to keep showing the love of Jesus in communities where hope is in short supply.