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Serve with ABWE

Europe: Ukraine

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Ukraine was divided between Russia and the Austro-Hungarian empire in the 18th century, was briefly independent from 1917-1920, then joined 14 other republics to form the USSR. Second only to Russia in size among these republics, it contributed a large percentage of Soviet industry. With its rich soil, Ukraine was once considered the "breadbasket" of Europe. Ukraine became an independent nation in December 1991 with the breakup of the Soviet Union.

Ukraine's leaders have had difficulty in transforming a totalitarian Communist system based on command economy into a democracy with a functioning market-driven economy. As a result, the Ukrainian economy is on the verge of collapse, and is well below the standard of neighboring Russia. Salaries are roughly $20 per month, while costs soar to world market levels. Foreign debt has increased to unstable proportions, discouraging investment from western nations and companies. The local mafia has gained political power through barter, bribery and bullying. Ukraine's nuclear shield has been undermined by pressure from western nations for the country to relinquish its weapons to Russia for destruction. Ukraine is still very dependent on Russia for energy.

Although Ukrainians look European, their mind set is more Eastern than Western. Individual rights are not valued as highly as the greater societal good. A large percentage now live in cities while retaining a rural mentality. They tend to be cautious and pessimistic, yet industrious and artistic. As a result of disease, poverty, stress and alcoholism, life expectancy for men is only 59 years.

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Russian Christianity was born in Kiev, Ukraine's capital, 1,000 years ago. Most Ukrainians have traditionally followed Russian Orthodoxy. However, 70 years of atheistic Communism has left a spiritual vacuum in the country. Few pastors have any formal training, and most church buildings were either destroyed or commandeered by government institutions under Communist rule. The spiritual vacuum is being filled today by a return to the Orthodox church, an influx of cults and by secularism. Foreign missionary work is increasingly threatened by the rising tide of nationalism, but opportunities for evangelical witness still abound.

ABWE's goal in Ukraine is to establish a national church planting movement through evangelism, discipleship and leadership training. Working with several local Baptist churches, ABWE facilitates their Ukrainian partners in planting new churches. Resource and training centers are being developed across the country to help meet church planting goals. Medical care and instruction is being given in village clinics as an evangelistic outreach.

Ukraine needs missionaries who are specially burdened for training national leaders and have experience in local church ministries. Medical personnel, MK teachers, children's workers, evangelists, disciplers and church planters who will work alongside their Ukrainian brothers are also needed.