6 Evangelical reactions to Russia’s Ukraine invasion: ‘Potentially major prophetic fulfillment’

By Samuel Smith, Deputy Managing Editor Friday, February 25, 2022

Slavic Gospel Association

The Slavic Gospel Association, an organization that sponsors and trains over 300 missionary pastors across Russia and its neighboring country, issued a prayer alert Thursday.

“We are very concerned for the churches in harm’s way that we serve in both countries, and I’m writing to ask you to continually lift our brothers and sisters in prayer during the coming days and weeks,” SGA President Michael Johnson said in a lengthy statement shared on Facebook.

“They are in a very difficult situation for themselves and their families, and yet ministering to others in the love of Christ is always foremost.”

When the conflict began in eastern Ukraine in 2014 with Russia annexing the Crimean Peninsula, partners allowed SGA to help churches respond to the needs of refugees. This time around, he stressed that “this network of churches is already in readiness.”

“[A]nd because of this we can respond rapidly in specific locations,” Johnson added. “In fact, we have already helped them render aid to refugees that have come into western Ukraine and into southern Russia. This flood of refugees is already increasing on a massive scale.”

“In the face of this conflict, our goal is the same as it was in 2014 — to equip the churches for sustained Gospel and Compassion Ministry to their people,” Johnson added. “The lives of refugees are shattered, and they are looking for hope — hope that the churches can give them as they share the love of Christ.”

Johnson urged believers to pray for those in need and for families who have already fled their homes. Specifically, he urged prayer for the “Lord to open their hearts to the Gospel.”

“Pray for the pastors and church teams being equipped by SGA to make often dangerous visits into the conflict zones to carry out Compassion Ministry,” he continued. “Ask the Lord to protect them and guide them as they minister. Lift up the need for the ongoing resources that will be necessary — the numbers of people we will need to help are already growing exponentially.”