“Pray for Ukrainian churches so that they become a center of great revival in Europe”.

The city of Bucha near Kyiv in Ukraine hit the headlines when horrific scenes of bodies on the streets were reported as a massacre following the invasion of Russian troops. One place that has remained a lifeline to those devastated by this tragedy is Bucha Baptist Church. As a result of their practical and spiritual ministry to the community their services are full to capacity every week.  Miraculously the building is still standing despite missiles narrowly missing the church.

The ministry of hospitality brings comfort, peace and hope to the heart, mind and soul of those who have been uprooted.

Tabor is the word for Roma camps in the local Romani language. Elena Marchuk started this project in 2013 and today there are more than 500 programs produced.

While the UK imposes sanctions on Patriarch Kirill for supporting the war in Ukraine, the World Council of Churches rejects a ban and hopes to see “dialogue and encounter”.

Some countries, especially in Africa, depend on Ukrainian grain. Urgent measures need to be taken to avoid the catastrophic consequences of the war in Europe.

Evangelical churches acknowledge the serious refugee crisis but “continue to selflessly and tirelessly respond to the overwhelming needs around them”.

The main event was a congress that gathered over 300 people under the theme “Roots and zeal”. “We want to discern what God expects from us for the next years”.

June should have meant the start of the summer holidays for the young Ukrainians. But almost two out of every three children have been wrenched out of home, school and playground.

Both Ukrainian and Russian mothers have turned to magic and the occult and bought amulets, protection letters, special icons, to stave off evil forces and protect their sons fighting in the war.

In a context of the war in Ukraine and after two online conference, participants saw the week in Wisla as a chance to renew the gospel vision for Europe.

72 Christian leaders from 22 European countries gathered for 24 hours in Krakow focused on the Ukraine war and refugee crisis.

Refugee work must not deenergize Christians, the opposite is true, done properly it will lead to a deeper experience and generate more energy.

The volunteers who chose to stay in Ukraine encounter lines of grateful survivors anxious not only for food but also for Bibles and prayer. 

Over 500 representatives of evangelical churches and organisations in Europe attend the European Leadership Forum conference in Poland. A pastor from Kyiv shared details about the response of Christians during the invasion.

The heart of the Ukranian Christian church missionary enterprise is to cross borders instead of erecting them and we in the rest of Europe must support them.

A Finnish journalist and a Swedish theologian say most Christians agree it is time to leave military neutrality. “But our ultimate trust is in the living, almighty God”.

The hybrid State of Europe Forum’s theme ‘Seeking shalom’ (Paris), was addressed in three bi-lingual plenary sessions, seekingto ‘understand the times’ and ‘to know what God’s people should do’.

The Baptist Union of Spain has been in Ukraine monitoring the delivery of humanitarian aid. Amid the need and pain, “the churches there are experiencing a revival”, says Daniel Banyuls.

Today is Europe Day. For a generation, the ‘peace narrative’ meant little. For millions of new Europeans, war was not part of their story. Yet suddenly, all that changed in February.

The Russian Orthodox leader, Patriarch Kirill, defines Russki Mir as a “special civilization which needs to be preserved”. He has become the main promoter of this nationalist idea.

Since the conflict began, Israel has received over 1,500 Jews from Ukraine, where around 43,000 Jews live.

The missionary had gone to the city to help with the evacuation. He worked for a Christian organisation that is helping Ukrainian orphans.

The challenge for the peoples of Europe today is to find the balance between protecting borders and open borders.

Matias Radziwiluk, director of a Bible Institute in Ukraine, explains the key role of the church in responding to the humanitarian and spiritual challenge.