In Part Two of this series, we examine how the Russo-Ukrainian war’s ripple effects have reshaped the European continent—and how TMAI’s training centers are responding with gospel-centered care for the displaced, the grieving, and the divided.
A Continent Transformed by War
The entire continent has been affected by Russo-Ukraine War.
Though the bombing, occupation, and warfare have occurred primarily in Ukraine, all of Europe has felt the terrible effects of the invasion. Nearly four million Ukrainians have been displaced in the country due to the destruction—and throughout the surrounding nations, a refugee crisis grows as over six million refugees have fled Ukraine.
Ninety percent of these refugees are women and children.
The influx of refugees into surrounding Poland, Czech Republic, and Germany has strained resources and relationships. Small towns have swelled in number, becoming unrecognizable. Many Ukrainians encounter racism and hostility due to biased information, and many vulnerable women and children are preyed upon in the chaos.
The Church Responds with Compassion and Truth
In all this, God is on the throne, sovereignly reigning and providing for His people (Psalm 47:8). And His Church all over the continent stands as a sanctuary, respite, and home for those in spiritual and physical need (Nehemiah 4:9).
His (Christ’s) Church all over the continent stands as a sanctuary, respite, and home for those in spiritual and physical need.
Just as Grace Bible Seminary works tirelessly to serve the people in Ukraine, so too do the TMAI training centers in Germany (EBTC), Czech Republic (CBI), and throughout Europe seek to shepherd and counsel the refugees that have filled their cities and churches.
However, this has not been an easy or simple task.
Local church leaders in these nations have had to grapple with new demographics, their congregations having opposing views, or how to best counsel people who have lived through incredible suffering. Many pastors have felt ill equipped, seeking to navigate these new and troubling waters with wisdom, biblical fidelity, and unity.
EBTC has seen the need and worked to fill it. By partnering with other TMAI training centers and like-minded church leaders, the leadership of EBTC, CBI, and TMAI’s Russian-Speaking seminary (WGBI) have sought to resource, aid, and teach pastors throughout the region in need.
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A Call to Unity in Extreme Times
This is not exclusively a Russian or Ukrainian issue. It is a universal challenge for all Christians: how do we honor the Lord and maintain biblical unity in the midst of extreme circumstances?
The answer is what has always been true, and what has always guided faithful Christians: by obeying our One Lord, being informed and guided by His sufficient word, and holding fast in hope to the one gospel of Jesus Christ.
