One Gospel (Part One)

For the past three and a half years, the Russo-Ukrainian War has waged—the largest and deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II.  

The citizens of Ukraine have lived under constant bombing, military presence, and the threat of the incoming occupying forces. Burned out military vehicles on the streets and middle-of-the-night missile strikes have become the new normal. The grief of war is seen and felt each day throughout the country. 

The Unseen Battle Beneath the War

And yet, local churches still gather, shepherded by faithful men, to care for and preach the hope of the gospel to their people.  

The people of Ukraine are weary.  

They are tired and worn down from living under the ongoing threat. And they need the supernatural hope, encouragement, patience, and joy that only comes from Christ. 

In this, we are reminded that the greatest need is not for a war to end—though we fervently pray for peace. The greatest need is for those in an extreme circumstance—both in Ukraine and Russia—to hear the good news of Jesus Christ, and for Christians to be comforted, counseled, and strengthened in the promises of God.  

Recognizing this need to counsel, comfort, and shepherd those facing unique struggles, TMAI’s Grace Bible Seminary (GBS) has continued to teach men to be faithful, biblical pastors. 

“They need the supernatural hope, encouragement, patience, and joy that only comes from Christ.”

A Medic, a Seminary Student, and a Gospel Witness

A student of the training center, and a medic in the Ukrainian army shared his perspective: 

It so happened that I enrolled in GBS during the war. I was at the front as a medic and did not expect to be separated from the church for so long. What impressed me most were the teachers themselves, who became a true example of a minister for me. Kind hearts and deep knowledge of the word of God inspired learning and stirred a desire to imitate their life and faith. God is raising men all over the world to serve in unique and extraordinary circumstances. Later, due to front-line circumstances, I could no longer attend in person, but I continued online. Even the homework became a source of great encouragement and spiritual strength. What I learned, I used in conversations with soldiers—some of whom are no longer alive. I don’t know their eternal fate, but for some, I was the last one to tell them about the Lord, the last one to pray for them.

“God is raising men all over the world to serve in unique and extraordinary circumstances.”

Saved for Such a Time as This

God is raising men all over the world to serve in unique and extraordinary circumstances.  

In Ukraine and Russia, men are being raised for a time such as this. Raised to shepherd His people through extreme pressure, and when all else fails to bring comfort and hope, to bring those who do not yet know Him to know, love, and serve Him. 

Though wars and conflicts will continue to wage, the Christian recognizes the greatest battle is not against flesh and blood, but of the eternal (Ephesians 6:12).  

So, we earnestly pray for all those facing trials around the world—Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Pakistan, Myanmar, and more—that they would be unshaken, unyielding, and unified in the one gospel of Jesus, our one, perfect, sufficient Lord. 

---