More than four years after Russia invaded Ukraine, the war continues. Reports of violence on the fronts, drone attacks, or political moves at play have become a daily feature. When an invasion like this occurs, there is often the early and earnest hope for a quick resolution and swift withdrawal of armies from one another. But as time marches on, hope can be harder and harder to find.

For the Church of the Nazarene in Ukraine, the call to proclaim hope and serve the most vulnerable remains the same. Over these years, churches have distributed food, provided shelter, served people displaced by the war, offered care for trauma and mental health, and continued announcing the good news—the good news that God wills the world another way, and one day it will be that way.

In April, pastors from each of the five active churches, along with other district leaders and the district superintendent, gathered in Kozyatyn to encourage one another, take stock of where the church is, and envision the future. Together, they spoke about the challenges the war has brought, how to continue serving their communities, and how following Jesus shapes them in the midst of violence.

“The biggest challenge is to answer the question ‘Where is God?’ that is asked by those who have lost their homes or loved ones,” shared Svetlana Kleschar, district superintendent for Ukraine. “In such a case, we should be especially careful quoting the Bible. At the same time, it is necessary to emphasize the love of Christ. This war has torn apart many families. One of the challenges is a lot of divorces in the families, with children growing up without parents and upbringing often taking place online.”

Svetlana also reflected on how the gospel speaks into this season: “Our hope is in Jesus. Life goes on even during the war. The Lord does not abandon us. He gives us hope for tomorrow. I believe the concept of sacrifice becomes more understandable during the war. We are grateful to our defenders who protect us in earthly life from the enemy; the more grateful we should be to the Lord who saves us for eternal life. This is not the end despite all burdens the war brings.”

This isn’t the end of the story! Read the rest in our latest issue of NCM Magazine, here.