In these trying times, the call to support our Christian brothers and sisters across the globe is more pressing than ever. As Christians, we are called to stand with our brothers and sisters who face persecution. My work with Defenders of Faith and Religious Freedom in Ukraine has brought me face to face with the dire circumstances of Evangelical pastors and churches suffering under Russian aggression. Through our advocacy efforts in South Carolina (and around the U.S.), we strive to raise awareness of the stark reality of Russian aggression and its impact on the Ukrainian Evangelical community and mobilize support for these courageous believers.
This past May, South Carolina had the profound honor of hosting two remarkable pastors from Ukraine, Mark Sergeyev and Igor Bandura. They traveled across the state, sharing their experiences and unwavering faith with various communities. They spoke at churches, met with faith leaders, engaged with non-profit humanitarian aid organizations, and held discussions with elected officials. Their testimonies were both heart-wrenching and inspiring, as they recounted the destruction of churches, the threats to pastors, and the scattering of congregations.
More than 640 places of worship have been damaged or destroyed by the Russian Armed Forces in the occupied territories of Ukraine. Russian soldiers have been ordered to kill Evangelical Christian pastors in cold blood. The systematic persecution of the faithful has been likened to “cultural genocide.” Evangelicals are a disproportionately targeted minority in Ukraine, and one third of the religious sites damaged or destroyed by Russian forces are evangelical. Street gatherings are banned, public evangelism is impossible, and literature cannot be distributed. The Russian occupation has been described as a threat to the very existence of evangelical freedom, identity, values, and culture.
In June I had the privilege of traveling to Kyiv, Ukraine with an American delegation at the invitation of the pastors and President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office. This journey culminated in our attendance at the National Prayer Breakfast of Ukraine, an event that profoundly opened our eyes to the resilience of faith under fire. Leaders from across Ukraine – including government officials, religious figures, frontline soldiers, and humanitarian workers – united in their resolve to defend religious freedom, and gathered together in the Spirit of Jesus for the event. While unable to attend in person, several members of the U.S. Congress, including Speaker Mike Johnson (LA), Senator James Lankford (OK), and our own Congressman Joe Wilson, sent in video messages of support and prayer for Ukraine. The prayers, discussions, and testimonies shared during the breakfast and events underscored the gravity of the situation and the unwavering spirit of the Ukrainian Christians.
Our meetings with Ukrainian officials and interviews with numerous eyewitnesses during the trip were crucial for understanding the challenges faced by the Ukrainian Evangelical church and identifying practical ways to provide aid. The message was clear: the Ukrainian people need international support and prayer to sustain them through their trials.
During our visit, we also had the sobering opportunity to witness firsthand the real devastation caused by missile attacks. We visited sites where buildings had been reduced to rubble, bearing silent testimony to the brutality of the conflict. These experiences of destruction were deeply moving and reinforced our commitment to support Ukrainian Evangelical Christians.
It is time for American Christians to stand with Ukraine and support them. It is our biblical duty. Romans 12:9-21 tells us to abhor what is evil, contribute to the needs of the saints, and weep with those who weep, among many other admonitions. Our work with Defenders of Faith and Religious Freedom in Ukraine is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the imperative to defend religious freedom.
As Christians, we are called to stand with those who suffer for their beliefs. Founder & CEO of Faith Wins, Chad Connelly, says, “It is so important for pastors and churches to commit to prayer for our dear brothers and sisters who are being persecuted and to do our part to help and support an end to this conflict.”
Through faith and action, we can uphold the principles of religious freedom for all and support our brothers and sisters in Ukraine in their time of need. Learn more at www.defendersoffaithukraine.com.
To hear the full stories of Ukrainian Evangelicals under attack by the Russians, readers can scan the QR code provided which links to the Living Real Podcast recorded in May.
These materials are distributed by DCI Group AZ, L.L.C. on behalf of Kyiv Global Outreach. Additional information is on file with the Department of Justice, Washington, DC.
