They need bibles and bullets

Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has triggered an avalanche of global criticism, growing levels of military aid and potentially crippling economic sanctions.

On a daily basis, news machines around the world have been reporting directly from Kyiv, providing anyone who will listen with up-to-date reports about the state of the conflict – and the speed of the Russian army's advance.

DEATH AND DESTRUCTION: armed conflict has come to the streets of Ukraine's biggest cities.

What we haven't heard are reports about the incredible levels of faith that have been shining through in the Ukrainian people – and the way local church communities are standing, united and strong, helping their fellow Ukrainians find hope in God’s Word.

Robert Briggs, president and CEO of the American Bible Society, has been in regular contact with church leaders in Ukraine and has been mightily humbled by their response to such an assault on their country and family members.

INSPIRING A NATION: Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is standing tall in opposing Russia.

"I’ve been in close contact with my friend and counterpart, Anatoliy Raychynets, who serves as the deputy general secretary of the Ukrainian Bible Society," he says. "As people grapple with unknown, many are experiencing the Bible’s message for the first time ever. According to Anatoliy, priests and pastors over the past weeks have been flocking to the Bible Society store in Kyiv to buy Bibles. Demand is so high that they’ve run out of copies. This, Anatoliy says, is one of their biggest challenges. They need more Bibles."

A major resource offered by the church in Ukraine is Bible-based trauma healing.

Although it was introduced only six years ago, the program has been incredibly effective, especially for family members of those killed in the conflict with Russia. Critically, it is allowing community leaders to guide small groups of people through a restorative process.

ON THE STREETS: supporters of Ukraine are making their views known in the West.

Now that it’s available in so many churches across the country, the Ukrainian Bible Society is struggling to keep up with requests for resources and training.

"Our brothers and sisters in Ukraine need Bibles for people searching for comfort in troubled times," added Robert Briggs. "They need trauma-healing resources to provide the balm of Scripture. And they need us to intercede for them."

Meanwhile, Ukrainian pastor, Viacheslav Khramov, emphasises the point made by Robert Briggs when he says: "I ask you, in the name of Jesus Christ – whoever can pray, please keep us in your prayers. We ask everyone who is able to pray, please pray for us. Pray for Ukraine. Pray that lives are spared, as well as our bodies and souls."