“We can reach our world, if we will.
The greatest lack today is not people or funds.
The greatest need is prayer.”
—Wesley Duewel
“The man or woman at home who prays often has as much to do with the effectiveness of the missionary on the field, and consequently with the results of his or her labors, as the missionary.” —R. A. Torrey
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The following is taken from Pray for the World: A New Prayer Resource from Operation World
*A few portions have been removed which refer to Catholics and Eastern Orthodox as “Christian” or “The Church”, as well as references to Ukraine’s “strong Christian heritage”. They record a high % of Christians in Ukraine but this number refers to Eastern Orthodox. Also, they ask us to pray for unity among the Orthodox, Catholics, and Protestants. This cannot be unless their doctrine of justification is completely gutted and revamped from the ground up. We have contacted Operation World about our concerns. They told us that the word “Christian” is being used in a broad sense. However, we feel it is misleading as it diminishes the dire need in Ukraine for missions work. In our experience all the other information is incredibly helpful and should serve you well in learning how you can pray for Ukraine.
EXCERPT OF STATS FROM OUR FAQ PAGE: According to religious statistics from 2006 on Wikipedia, 26.8% of Ukraine’s people are Eastern Orthodox, 5.9% are Catholic, 0.9% are Protestant, 0.1% are Jewish, 3.8% are other (mostly Islamic), and 62.5% are “unaware”. Of the 0.1% Protestants the majority of them are comprised of the Ukrainian Baptist Church, which has very strong elements of legalism and fear based control. However, in some churches among the new younger generation some are beginning to see some light of the true Gospel of grace.
Evangelical Christians 1.7 mill.
Largest Religion Eastern Orthodox.
Fastest Growing Religion Muslim.
Largest Ethnic Groups Ukrainian (72.1%), Russian (13.2%), Polish (2.3%), Gypsy (1.5%), Turkic/ Altaic (1%). Official Language Ukrainian, but Russian spoken widely. All languages 42.
Economy Great potential from mineral deposits and arable land. Some economic growth, but many live near the poverty line. Transition to a market economy crippled by excessive corruption, and by the wide difference between growing cities and declining towns. Financially dependent on trade with Russia.
Politics Dominated and fought over for centuries. Independent from former Soviet Union in 1991. Deeply divided between those who want to re-establish ties with Russia and those who look towards the West/ EU for the future. The failure to find a solution leads to continued unrest and strife. Russia’s annexation of Crimea and violence in the eastern regions both reflect this tragic reality.
Communism fell 25 years ago, but its effects persist. The new market economy drove many into poverty while a few gained extreme wealth through corrupt means. These powerful oligarchs make money from Ukraine, but usually invest their riches outside the country. Ukraine’s economic troubles increase the political tensions between East and West. When Communism ended, the empty space without values or morals led to a rapid increase of hopelessness, alcoholism, and the spread of HIV/ AIDS. Many opportunities exist for holistic and compassionate ministries, and believers must not miss this open door!
Ukraine’s political story is troubled and its future uncertain. The “Orange Revolution” (2005) demonstrated both the great potential of the people and the problems they face. Non-violent protests resulted in new elections and greater freedoms, but in the end little changed. Corruption remains widespread, but so does the determination to defeat it. Political opponents argue and deal harshly with one another, and the divisions between East and West turned into violent clashes in early 2014. Meanwhile, forces in Russia manipulated the situation to exert greater power in the Crimea and eastern Ukraine. Both Russia and the West have their selfish agendas for Ukraine and its people. Finding the truth amidst all the propaganda is difficult. What is the Lord’s purpose for this land? Pray for God to bring reconciliation to heal the deep divisions, and healing for the damage already done. Pray for justice for the whole society, especially the oppressed, and hope for the future.
Ukraine forms a bridge between East and West, and between Orthodox and Catholic. Just over half of Ukrainians belong to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, but the divisions in society also exist in the Church (between loyalty to leaders in Kyiv or in Moscow). The Greek/ Uniate Catholic Church uses Orthodox liturgy, but follows the leadership of the Pope. Other Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant groups face internal strife. All Churches compete with one another for limited resources, for buildings, and for members. But those who love God and the Scriptures remain faithful! Pray that spiritual life and renewal will change relationships and overcome church politics. Those who call upon the Lord have a powerful redemptive role to play in how Ukraine’s story unfolds.
Evangelicals grew steadily, even under persecution. Newer charismatic groups especially grew. Foreigners (notably Africans) started new congregations that then took on a Ukrainian identity. One house church movement focused on relational outreach, informal leadership, and on churches that reproduce both in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries. Pray for sensitive and gracious attitudes among all believers as Slavic roots, Western styles, African initiatives, and newer dynamic churches intermingle with each other and with traditional Christian denominations. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work through both the spiritual excitement of newer groups and the rich spiritual heritage of traditional ones.
Pray for more workers, for God’s provision, and for fruitful partnership with Western, Asian, and other mission agencies. Expatriate mission agencies faithfully served the persecuted Church before 1989. Long-term missionaries who will humbly learn the language and culture can still help, especially to teach the Bible, train leaders, and assist Ukrainians as they start their own ministries and missions.
Pray for these specific outreach challenges:
Children at risk. Tens of thousands of children live on the street, and over 100,000 live in orphanages. Most become involved in drugs, crime, or prostitution unless help comes. The CoMission for Children at Risk unites dozens of ministries to reach them with the love of Christ.
Crimea. Churches do not grow as well in this region. An ethnic Russian majority feels more linked to Russia than Ukraine. The indigenous Crimean Tatars (mostly Muslim) lived in exile in Siberia for decades, but more than 250,000 returned here to their traditional home. Christians reached out to them specifically, and some now follow Christ!
Foreign immigrants. Many come from the Middle East and Asia to study. They struggle with loneliness and often face racial persecution. Many open their hearts to the gospel, and Ukrainian churches that reach out to them with love find a harvest!
Pray for the World: A New Prayer Resource from Operation World