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For such a time as this God’s people amidst the Ukraine crisis
UKRAINE CRISIS
For such a time as this…
God’s people amidst the Ukraine crisis
Uel Marrs reflects on the war in Ukraine and outlines the support that PCI’s partners are providing on the ground.
www.jobbadni.hu/en
It is day 18 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine as this article is submitted and the Ukrainian people continue to demonstrate strong and determined resistance. That should not be a surprise, given the history of the country and how much its freedom and independence is cherished after having been fought over and subjugated down through the centuries.
During the first three decades of communist rule in the early 20th century, as many as eight million Ukrainians died in food shortages and famines that were largely inflicted upon them. During the Second World War another seven million perished due to the raging conflict between the Soviet and the German armies; no other European country suffered more deeply. Now, in regard to the Russian invasion, many find themselves in very vulnerable positions having remained to put up keen resistance, while others have fled westwards, including over 2.5 million who have sought refuge in neighbouring countries.
In response, it has been heartening to see the prompt initiative of many PCI congregations, eager to help in whatever ways they can, not least in giving generously to the Moderator’s Appeal for Ukraine, with an initial amount of £60,000 already sent towards the humanitarian response to refugees in Poland, Moldova and Hungary. This is being undertaken through PCI’s relief and development partners, Tearfund and Christian Aid, but let’s focus on one of our Church partners – Hungarian Reformed Church Aid (HRCA), the relief and development wing of the Reformed Church in Hungary, through whom funds are also being channelled.
Hungary shares a 100-mile border with Ukraine, and thousands of refugees from the war have been pouring into the country. HRCA’s 50 staff and nearly 2,000 volunteers, including 12 doctors and 80 interpreters, have laboured faithfully and tirelessly, giving of their time, energy and expertise right from the start of the war. They are providing help regardless of the race, gender, religion or political affiliation of those in need.
Nonetheless, HRCA faces a mammoth task of coordinating tons of in-kind donations, along with financial contributions from congregations within Hungary, not to mention donations from partners around the world. Nonperishable foods are being collected at warehouses in Budapest, Debrecen and Gelénes near the border for the purpose of onward distribution. Additionally, they have set up a reception centre in Záhony, a city on the Ukrainian border, that has become the hub for the intervention, as thousands cross the border every day.
Aid comes in the form of food, hygiene kits, warm clothing, accommodation, transportation, spiritual support and even toys for the children. One of the biggest shortages is accommodation and a countrywide database of shelter being offered by congregations and church institutions has been created. Humanitarian aid has not only been committed to refugees but extended to those remaining in Ukraine, including the internally displaced who have fled to the west of the country.
As the 20th century unfolded, land borders shifted in such a way that there is actually one Synod of the Hungarian Reformed Church, a diaspora community, located in Transcarpathia, west Ukraine.
Prior to the Russian invasion, the Transcarpathian Church District had about 120,000 members worshipping in 100 congregations. It is the oldest Protestant Church in Ukraine and dates back to the 16th century. Through the decades of the Soviet era this Hungarianspeaking Church endured much suffering.
fototar.reformatus.hu
Bishop Sándor Zán-Fábián
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In Stalin’s time, 30,000 of the Hungarian men were transported to Siberia, never to return home. In the garden of the Church headquarters in Beregszász, a memorial lists the names of four pastors who were martyred, six who were forbidden to serve as ministers, and 16 who were imprisoned for their faith during that era, reflecting something of the communists’ brutal suppression of the church in Ukraine. Such has been the mass migration of the younger generations since this current Russian invasion began that it is endangering the survival of the Synod, but at this time it has an important role in caring for the internally displaced arriving in great numbers from other parts of the country.
In this context, Bishop Sándor ZánFábián, head of the Transcarpathian Church District, has released a pastoral letter to the Synod’s ministers in which he asks them to, “Stay in your place, remain where you are”. In such a time as this, he underlines the importance of continuing to be gathering, praying communities and sharing the gospel. He reminds them of their responsibilities to be steadfast and patiently care for the sick, the elderly, and the internally arriving in great need from eastern Ukraine.
This, of course, reflects the journey of the church in one corner of Ukraine only, but what about the rest of this vast country? Looking back, after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the dissolution of the USSR, Ukraine gained its independence in 1991 and began opening up. The church gradually reemerged, including Reformed and evangelical congregations in a number of regions, with new pastors and missionaries being trained.
Some churches have been determined to be agents of broad-based political, social, economic and spiritual reform within the country, gradually transforming values and culture in society; impacting prisons, orphanages, and other social institutions. When former Soviet elites remained entrenched, stalling economic reform and civic liberties, the church had a role as a strong and influential agent of change. Christians participated in a series of protests and marches in 2004/05 known as the Orange Revolution which helped to change the mindset of the country. All in all, the churches have contributed to a greater sense of freedom and independence. Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, over the past 30 years Ukraine has also become a strategic launch pad for mission with hundreds of missionaries moving into former Eastern Bloc countries.
By the time you read this, whatever stage the Russian invasion has reached, I suspect the Ukrainian refugee crisis may be even greater than it was on day 18 of the war. Do remember, even as we contribute to PCI’s partners – so fully engaged in responding without discrimination of race, gender, region or political affiliation – that Christians are amongst those fighting, sheltering and fleeing. That is often true of so many of the crises in the Middle East, Africa or Asia, as it is of Ukraine. And as for those from Ukraine’s churches who may come among us to escape the tragedy of war, it’s important to listen to them in their trauma, and hear their testimonies of God’s provision and protection; acknowledging them as co-workers with us in mission, not unlike the believers in Acts 8:4 who having been scattered, preached the Word wherever they went. Let us pray that out of their indescribable pain and brokenness, God would make them to be a blessing wherever they go, as he continues to unfold his kingdom purposes.
Uel Marrs is PCI’s Secretary to the Council for Global Mission.
