Ukraine (MNN) — NATO has stated that Ukraine’s eventual membership in the military alliance is “irreversible.” However, there is still “no consensus” among NATO members’ foreign ministers on when that invitation will come.
At the NATO meeting in Brussels last week (December 3-4), its members discussed the Russia-Ukraine war and elements of the conflicts in the Middle East. They promised continued support to Ukraine, but beyond that, there was no invitation.
The gathering came days after a brief exchange between US and Ukraine officials regarding the war nearing it’s four-year mark.
One unnamed US personnel suggested Ukraine lower its conscription age from 25 to 18 years. But a Ukrainian official said they lack supplies to support the soldiers they already have. With a clear underlying message, he said they won’t compensate with the lives of their youngest men for their partners’ slowness in deciding to send military supplies.
How is this context impacting the Ukrainian church? “According to the vice president of the Ukrainian Baptist union, there’s 300 to 400 pastors or deacons who are all engaged on the frontlines,” says Eric Mock with Slavic Gospel Association (SGA).
Some pastors are chaplains or medics; others serve in logistics. Mock says while many are pacifists, some choose to take up arms.
“Regardless of whether they are pacifist or not, they count it a privilege to serve for their country,” he says. “But then, at a personal level, we have to understand that a lot of these men are married and they have little kids.”
Further conscription would increase a heavy strain on believers, “because the churches are already struggling to make sure they can minister to those that are coming to these churches,” Mock says.
There’s a heavy burden on the pastors SGA supports as well.
(Photo courtesy of SGA)
“I’ve heard from the older pastors that are still a fighting age (25–60 years old), that they’re at a point where they know their salvation is secure. They know where their future is. They and their wife understand the threats that are there, and so they serve (in the army) in peace.
“But for the younger men that are in their early 30s and 20s, they are taking care of a church, taking care of a family, and the thought of going to the frontline is quite a bit more daunting.”
No matter what happens in NATO, God is the one who will bring physical and spiritual salvation to Ukraine. Psalm 20:7-9 says,
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm.
Lord, give victory to the king!
Answer us when we call!”
Pray for Ukrainian pastors to have a deep sense of God’s presence wherever they go. Pray for their families and churches left behind to continue in faithful gospel ministry. Ask God to raise more leaders to shepherd the churches.
Header photo of a NATO Foreign Ministers family photo in Brussels, Belgium, December 4, 2024 (By U.S. Department of State from United States – 2K0A2601, accessed via Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain)
