More than 150 days of war in Ukraine have transformed Baptist congregations into much more than houses of worship. “Baptists have become centers for food, shelter, electricity and water. Equally importantly, Baptist churches are centers of respite and psycho-social care,…
Churches in Russian-occupied sections of Ukraine face desperate conditions
Baptist churches in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine face increasingly desperate humanitarian conditions while responding with increasingly creative physical and spiritual outreach efforts, the European Baptist Federation said in its most recent warzone communique. The situation report was released just days…
Sick of war, church leaders in South Sudan recommit to finding peace
In the 11-year history of South Sudan as an independent country, the East African nation has known more conflict than peace among its disparate tribes. The conflicts, which began in 2013 as a political dispute between the country’s leading politicians…
On three-month anniversary of Russian invasion, Ukrainian Baptists and neighbors keep helping everyone they can
Baptists in Europe continue to be creative, compassionate and relentless in providing humanitarian and pastoral support to Ukrainian refugees three months into Russia’s invasion of its western neighbor. The latest report from the European Baptist Federation says needs continue to…
Baptists in Ukraine continue their humanitarian work amid devastation
Baptist church planters and their congregations in Ukraine have been at the forefront of providing physical and spiritual ministry to Ukrainians displaced, surrounded or occupied by invading Russian forces. “A great number of Christian churches and humanitarian organizations from around…
Displaced by the war in Ukraine, some African students battle to continue their education in Germany
Three months after Russian soldiers invaded and unleashed war in Ukraine, some displaced African students determined to continue with their educations are finding it difficult to gain residence permits in European countries like Germany. This is happening against the backdrop…
I’m disappointed with the world but still wanting to hope
I’m disappointed with the world. I really did not expect to be here as a 58-year-old man. Call it optimism, theological progressivism, maybe naivete, but I didn’t expect to be so disappointed with human beings at this stage of the…
Moldova, one of the poorest countries in Europe, opens its doors and hearts to Ukrainians
The fact that Moldova is one of the poorest nations in Europe has not kept it from being one of the most welcoming and generous to hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian invaders. And Baptists have been…
In Lviv, there is peace — until people start telling their stories
Lviv has many faces. It is a beautiful city with rich history, majestic architecture, elegant cafes and a joyful atmosphere. Ukrainians call it the capital of coffee, chocolate and street music. All this is here when Rachel and I walk…
Christian leaders in Africa and Britain, in their Easter messages, call for peace, forgiveness and love
In African countries including Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mali and South Africa, the weeks preceding Easter were marked by lamentation, sorrow, tears and blood as terror attacks and counter attacks by government forces — along with natural disasters — killed…
What’s the fastest route for Ukrainian refugees to enter the U.S.? Cross the Mexico border
A small-but-determined group of Ukrainian asylum seekers has discovered the quickest route to safety in the United States, at least currently, runs through Mexico, immigrant rights advocates say. A diplomatic arrangement predating Russia’s invasion of Ukraine enables Mexico to fast-track…
Don’t get used to war
Olena Zelenska, educated as an architect, is a screenwriter and the first lady of Ukraine. In a recent Vogue interview, she highlighted Ukrainian women’s tenacity and skill in caring for loved ones, going to work and resisting Russian military aggression in their…