THE GOSPEL & THE WAR ON UKRAINE
The Putin War: Facts & Debates
In 1917, after 250 years under Imperial Russia, Ukraine was recognized as a sovereign state as a founding member of the USSR. In 1991, independence was declared. But the relationship with Moscow became increasingly difficult over time as Ukraine tried to join the European Union.
In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea and began military support for pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine. Armed conflicts with government forces have claimed 14,000 lives in 8 years. In 2020, Ukraine became a NATO Enhanced Opportunity Partner.
On February 24th, Putin declared Russia could not feel "safe, develop and exist" because of what he claimed was a threat from Ukraine. Within weeks, the Russian invasion has created millions of refugees as hospitals, schools, kindergartens and residential blocks are bombed.
Has Putin acted out of preemptive self-defense according to the playbooks of “great power politics”? Or is he an aggressor reviving the Russian Empire? While the debates continue, we have a humanitarian crisis in the face of grim global uncertainties all started by this first major war in Europe since 1945.
Challenges For The Gospel: East-West Confrontation
50 years ago, the US reached out to China when the USSR was their mutual threat. But sanctions by the West today are driving Russia closer to China than ever before. While Chinese public opinion is divided, Beijing is advocating peace but cautious to neither condone nor condemn the war as western leaders invite her to mediate between Russia and Ukraine.
The larger issues in US-China relations are the ongoing trade war and battle for digital supremacy. Beijing is also resentful of “China containment” and foreign interference of her domestic dealings with Taiwan and Xinjiang. So east-west confrontation will unfortunately be the backdrop of world order in the days ahead. What are the implications for the gospel?
Despite their long tradition of patriotism, Chinese Christians are seen by their government as sympathizers of the West until proven otherwise. As east-west confrontation escalates in the days ahead, churches will be under greater pressure. They need our prayers.
In the 10/40 region, many countries will take sides or cautiously avoid alignment with the West. US passport holders, Christian workers and business people alike, who travel and work abroad need to be prepared for mixed receptions.
More than ever before, bearers of the gospel need greater cross-cultural sensitivity when serving overseas.
Needs & Opportunities For The Gospel: Our Response
Ukraine used to be called the Bible Belt of the former Soviet Union. In recent years, some evangelical churches have begun to send missionaries to other countries. The Christian communities will suffer together with their compatriots in this war.
But we are reminded how God has worked around the world. Iran 1979, when radical Islam came to power, there were 500 Christians in the country. Today, there’s an estimated 1 to 1.5 million. One major reason is how churches reach out to those in spiritual and physical needs and Christ’s love is seen in action. Let us pray for churches and Christian organizations in Ukraine.
In the midst of this humanitarian crisis, God is at work. Miracles have been reported. May the world witness the solidarity of the global Christian community supporting our Ukrainian brothers and sisters in this hour of dire need. Pray that they will emerge from this war with great faith, hope, love, and spiritual power to rebuild their country free of bitterness and hate.
As countries such as Germany increase their defense budget, there will be less resources to meet the challenge of climate change and world hunger. The global economic impact of war will hit the world’s poor the hardest. This is a time for generous and even sacrificial giving to support Christian humanitarian services, and pray for their good stewardship.
Urgency Of The Gospel: A Wakeup Call
The news headlines are reminding us of the Lord’s end times prophecies in Matthew 24:1-14. People against people. Nations against nations. Increase in lawlessness, even war crimes.
As the utopian dream of a global village blessed with technological advance and progress for humanity is shattered by the brutal reality of current events, we must proclaim that only God’s love can bring forgiveness and reconciliation that will enable us to love our neighbors as ourselves. It is peace from above with justice and fairness to all stakeholders.
The world order since 1991 has been upended. More tragedies and chaos are expected in the days ahead. But we are assured that God is working out his redemptive plan in history: “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.” We must respond to the urgency of the gospel in our time.