GLOBAL VOICES
The Same All Over Cheryl Warner Irpin, Ukraine April 2020 Quarantine: It's the same word in English, Ukrainian and Russian. And government restrictions to safeguard public health in Ukraine during the COVID-19 pandemic are similar to those in Illinois. I talked with Igor Bandura, first vice president of the Baptist Union of Ukraine, to find out what this means for Baptist churches here. "At this point, we are under quarantine," he said, "with everything closed, including churches. Only essential grocery stores and pharmacies remain open." With public gatherings of more than ten people prohibited in Ukraine, most evangelical churches are livestreaming Sunday morning services and making recordings of those services available online. "That's how we celebrated Easter," said Pastor Bandura. "Churches that are not able to have online broadcasts are joining churches that have livestreaming." Easter was celebrated on April 19 in Ukraine this year, according to the Orthodox calendar. More than just church members are tuning in. "Many unbelievers are watching these broadcasts," he said, "so this is an important means of evangelism. Friends, neighbors and many unchurched people are watching. Churches are also broadcasting Christian films and children's programs." Panel discussions address relevant questions people are asking, providing biblical answers and offering the hope of the gospel. While people are largely sheltering at home, small groups and home groups are using Zoom and other means to meet online. Church members are active on social media and are sharing
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Scripture, prayer requests, articles and reflections more than ever. "God is faithful in quarantine" is a headline on the webpage of Irpin Bible Church, where we are members. An article by one of the pastors is titled "Eight Quarantines of the Bible that Show God's Faithfulness," reflecting on the stories of Noah, Miriam, King David and others, and asking how God might change us during this period of isolation. In addition to using virtual means to share the gospel, "churches are looking after those in need, particularly the elderly," Pastor Bandura said. "They are buying groceries and medicine and distributing masks, disinfectant and New Testaments to people. Those who are able to transport people to doctors and hospitals are helping." In the early days of the quarantine, few people had been tested for COVID-19. With more testing available in recent weeks, the number of confirmed cases has risen to 9,866 as of April 29, according to the Ukrainian Health Ministry. Nearly 2,000 of those are medical workers. Schools have been closed since March 12, and restrictions have become increasingly severe with each passing week. The airspace is closed, the subway is closed, train and bus service to other countries has stopped, and transport between cities has all but halted. Only ten passengers are allowed on buses to transport employees for essential work. It is now mandated that people wear masks in public places. No one under age 16 is allowed outside without an adult, and no more than two people may walk together. Parks, squares, forests and beaches were recently closed. The message is "stay
