As war is casualized in Ukraine, God’s Word continues to spread

By Daria Novikova, Op-ed contributor Saturday, October 05, 2024

Worshipers leave Sunday service at Sukovska Baptist church on June 19, 2022, in Druzhkivka, Ukraine. Services were held in a small tent in the back of the church because the building was heavily damaged by a recent missile strike. In recent weeks, Russia has concentrated its firepower on Ukraine's Donbas region, where it has long backed two separatist regions at war with the Ukrainian government since 2014. | Scott Olson/Getty Images

War has become a cruel companion in the daily lives of Ukrainians. What once might have been unthinkable — the repeated sound of air raid sirens, the devastation of homes, the daily death toll of innocent civilians — has now become part of a harrowing routine.

Even in towns once deemed safe, the war finds its way, shattering the fragile illusion of normalcy. Daily life in Ukraine is marked by destruction: crumbling infrastructure, residential areas reduced to rubble, and frequent blackouts that plunge communities into darkness. Prices soar, and the toll of war weighs heavily on every heart, leaving few untouched by fear, loss, or exhaustion. As the war rages on, military recruiters hunt for new conscripts, adding another layer of anxiety as families fear losing their loved ones to the front lines.

Amidst all this, there is little rest, even in the quiet hours of the night, where sleep is interrupted by the relentless wail of air alarms. Now, because of its daily incessance, war has become casualized in the lives of the Ukrainian people.

Yet, in the heart of this conflict, a quiet but powerful movement is underway. Against all odds, the distribution of Bibles across Ukraine has not ceased. It continues as a beacon of hope, a testimony to the enduring human spirit, and a reminder that even in the darkest valleys, God’s light can never be extinguished.

For many, the Bible has become more than just a book; it is a lifeline, a source of comfort, and a symbol of resilience. Each Bible distributed is more than paper and ink — it is a tangible expression of God’s love and sovereignty amidst the chaos. As missiles strike and sirens wail, the Word of God brings peace to those who are weary. It speaks of hope when all seems lost and of a love that transcends the brutality of war. It is a reminder that there is a power greater than any war, a power that stands above, a God who sees the suffering and offers solace.

The impact of these distributions is undeniable. Despite the challenges, people are finding their way back to faith. Churches are not empty; they are growing. Requests for Bibles are up by more than 75%. Men, women and children are turning to God, seeking solace in His promises. For some, the Bible is a guide through the turmoil, a refuge when the world around them seems to be falling apart. It is a reminder that they are not alone, that there is hope even when everything else has been stripped away. People are being added to churches not just as members but as seekers of hope, looking to rebuild their lives on a foundation that war cannot shake.

The values that the Bible imparts — love, peace and perseverance — are taking root in the hearts of Ukrainians. Amidst the weariness and the constant barrage of bad news, these values stand in stark contrast to the surrounding violence. They inspire communities to hold on a little longer, to care for one another, and to believe that there is a brighter future beyond the horizon of war. The Bible reminds them that while the world may be uncertain, God’s word is steadfast. It is this message that resonates deeply, offering a flicker of light in a time when darkness seems to have the upper hand.

The distribution of Bibles in Ukraine, therefore, is not just an act of faith — it is an act of defiance against despair. It is a declaration that even in the midst of conflict, the human spirit is resilient. It refuses to be conquered by fear, to be overshadowed by violence, or to lose hope. As Ukrainians face the relentless trials of war, the Bible serves as a reminder that God is near, that His promises are true, and that His love endures even in the most desperate of circumstances.

In these trying times, the spread of God’s Word is a powerful testament to the enduring strength of faith. It is a movement that transcends the boundaries of war, reaching into the hearts of those who need it most. And as long as there are Bibles to distribute, there will be hope. Hope for peace, hope for healing — and hope that one day, the sound of air alarms will be replaced by the sound of songs of praise.

Daria Novikova is the Humanitarian Aid Coordinator of EEM (Eastern European Mission), which has been providing Bibles to the people of Eastern Europe since 1961, now reaching 35+ countries in 25+ languages. They provided nearly 2 million Bibles and Bible-based materials free of charge in the region in 2023, and the 2024 Hope Campaign seeks to help exceed that goal for 2024. Learn more at www.eem.org /hope.