Hope Amid the Darkness in Russia and Ukraine: Sharing the Gospel in Times of War
[Estimated reading time: 4 minutes]
The war in Ukraine is estimated to have cost 1 million lives since it began in February of 2022.
Ever since Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, the two countries have suffered horribly throughout the four years of conflict. An estimated 8 million people fled Ukraine, and many more have been internally displaced. It’s been reported that around a third of Ukraine’s population has been displaced due to the fighting. Throughout this time, TWR has endeavored to bring the light of the gospel into both countries.
Despite the logistical obstacles faced by our team in Ukraine and ministry friends in Russia, they have shown perseverance and a dedication to God all the while faithfully producing content for radio and online. These dedicated friends also work on the ground, offering practical help. The hope of Jesus remains in reach, and below we outline the work happening in both countries.
Ministry in Ukraine
The fortitude and faith of those in TWR’s Ukrainian team was brought home to TWR worker Jan Benson when he made a visit to the embattled country. Meeting those who were enduring constant power outages and poor internet coverage to deliver TWR content, Benson could see how the war was taking its toll on his fellow believers. But Benson was in awe of their determination to show fellow Ukrainians that the hope of the message of the cross was still within reach amid the darkness of war.
“When we went to see the team in Ukraine to offer our encouragement and support, we were the ones who were left more inspired and encouraged by their resolve and love for the Lord and the people they are seeking to reach with the gospel,” said Benson.
“Through all the turmoil they are suffering, it was amazing to see how they are serving the Lord, helping churches, soldiers, families. They were showing us photos of the devastation they had witnessed and were crying. We could see how tired they were, but whenever they spoke of how God was moving, their eyes came alive.
“The focus was all on the people and their need to hear about God and to answer their tough questions like ‘Is there a God?’ They continue to pray and to sow knowing God will do the rest.”
Through the radio broadcasts and online content, thousands are being reached. The Hope for Ukraine project, for example, has created a podcast by two brothers living 10,000 kilometers apart – in Ukraine and America – that has been helping Christians grow in their faith. Also, Alexander Chmut, the team’s director, is tirelessly contributing content on radio devices, and many soldiers on the front line are engaging with his talks through the radios TWR is providing.
“I tried to listen to different Christian radio stations, but every time I return to your radio. This radio is beyond comparison. Great presenters, contemporary Christian music, super cool podcasts.” — Mr. R., Ukraine
“I am a roofer, and we have several crews, and we all listen to your radio all the time. It plays loudly all day long so that unbelievers can hear it too.” — Mr. A., Ukraine
Ministry in Russia
A key element of the hope of Jesus being within reach in Russia has been the development of a mobile app that is continually gaining subscribers and listeners. As more people in Russia shift toward online content, the app has been crucial in spreading the message of Jesus, particularly to a younger demographic.
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The app includes integrated artificial intelligence, which offers quick translation options and enables users to find content that most interests them. More than 100,000 people are using the app each day.
Radio also remains an important channel for older listeners, and our ministry friends give thanks to God that they are able to reach millions through traditional radio.
Two main projects are available, one for nonbelievers called Mokolo (Milk) and another for believers. It’s encouraging to see online feedback from those listening to the content – with many questions coming in from both younger and older users.
“My brother, an unbeliever, listened to your radio for the first time and he liked it. He downloaded your app and since then he turns it on all the time during walking and jogging,” — Mr A., Russia
“Thank you, brothers and sisters, for your work. I have a café, and your radio [broadcast] is constantly on through speakers. The customers listen, and the seed of God is sown in their hearts.” — Mr. S., Russia
“Your radio became a blessing to me. I just hear God talking right to me. I ask God questions, and I get the answers through your radio.” — Mr. R., Russia
We praise God for how he is moving in these war-affected countries, and we pray for the safety of our partner and ministry friends as they keep striving to bring the hope of Christ within reach.
Images: (top, banner) First responders sift through the rubble left behind after an airstrike in Ukraine, (middle, right graphic) Facts and figures gathered by TWR staff, (bottom, left) A young man in Russia peers down at his phone while riding public transport.
