Editor’s note: The following story was written in January 2020, before the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops. Please pray for those affected by the most recent events. Thank God for the work He has already been doing among Ukrainians.

In 2014, war broke out in Ukraine and continues in a portion of the country today. Those living in the war zone survive day to day amid rubble, poverty and chaos. Infrastructure has collapsed, jobs are non-existent, food is scarce and the sound of bombs dropping is commonplace.

Despite the difficult living conditions and uncertainty of the future, Christian workers report some good news: an unusual spiritual openness is evident and churches are being planted.

Igor, a Ukrainian church planter working in the war zone, started six new churches in the past five years. Others are joining Igor in his ministry. One Ukrainian man, who grew up in the U.S., moved back to Ukraine to work with Igor as a missionary. Another is making plans to move from Israel to Ukraine to join the work.

“When the war started, people were confused and disappointed,” Igor said. “When we started preaching, we could see that their hearts were open to receive God’s Word. Before the war they had been closed. We want to do as much as we can while these hearts are open.”

Igor asks Southern Baptists not to forget what is happening in Ukraine and to pray for them during this time.