The Same All Over

GLOBAL VOICES

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 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 home." The quarantine is in place until at least May 11, and a five-stage plan to gradually lift restrictions has been announced.

Ukrainian missions students doing internships around the world have been stranded and are unable to return home in May as planned. Flights into Ukraine may not resume until September, it is estimated, although it is impossible to know for sure. Apart from COVID-19, students in Uganda have had recurring bouts with malaria, and a married couple in Papua New Guinea are recovering from typhoid. Others are also stuck in Central Asia and Nepal indefinitely. Most that we have communicated with are continuing their ministries, primarily with children in orphanages, churches and health care settings. Some are under quarantine and can't leave their homes.

Here in Ukraine, an older friend in our neighborhood—has been visibly distressed and very fearful during this time. After listening to her concerns and acknowledging the hardships she faces, I told her (from a distance of two meters) that we are also being careful to follow protocols to guard our health, while at the same time being sure to guard our hearts and minds with Scripture and prayer. I told her how encouraged we were to watch the livestreaming of our Ukrainian church service the day before and asked if she would be interested in viewing the recording. She said yes, please text her the link. The sermon was on the fear of death that many people are experiencing now and why those who belong to Christ need not fear. I've long been praying for an opportunity for a deeper conversation with this friend, and the coronavirus opened that door.

The Ukrainian service is just the first virtual meeting we attend on Sundays. We also have a group call with our local Ukrainian small group, connect with our Joint Heirs adult community on Zoom, worship live with College Church and end the day with a family call, talking with all four of our daughters in Illinois to process life and discuss the sermons we each heard that day (a fine idea that came from one of them).

A typical greeting during the Easter season in this country, even outside the church, is “Khristos voskres! [Christ is risen!]” with the reply, “Vo istinu voskres! [He is risen indeed!]” This year, we pray that this truth will go beyond a cultural greeting and penetrate the hearts of those who are looking for the hope and life to be found only in Christ.