Persecuted Christians in Ukraine praise God in spite of hardships
Posted: Monday, July 14, 2008, 13:39 (BST)
Church persecution in Eastern Europe causes problems for Christians attempting to reach out with the Good News of Jesus in practical ways. Yet they continue their difficult ministry whilst acknowledging that God is in control.
Following a recent arson attack in the Ukraine, Pastor Peter Bevz of the Baptist Church in Chernigov said, "Last Monday the entrance door of our House of Prayer at the mission was burnt by someone at night. 'They have cast fire into thy sanctuary...,'"
"This week is very busy with preparations for the children's camp. Some members of our team leave tomorrow to set up the camp. We praise God for Siloam's willingness to support the camp again this year."
Siloam Christian Ministries supports camps for disadvantaged children and young people in Eastern Europe and Portugal.
UK Director Richard Norton said, "In spite of persecution in different parts of Eastern Europe, we are grateful that children's camps are still able to operate. They are a vital way to provide a secure yet relaxed environment.
"Also, the spiritual ethos encourages children and young people to choose a Christian lifestyle over options such as drug abuse and child prostitution."
The comments below are readers' personal opinions and are in no way intended to reflect the editorial opinion of Christian Today.
Added: Tuesday, July 15, 2008, 20:11 (BST)
My husband and I have lived in Ukraine for over five years now, running a Christian children's ministry. As such we have contact with many other Christian ministries. We have only ever heard of one problem with a Christian ministry and that was because they were working with Roma, not because they were Christian. Your article makes it sound as if all Christians live in fear here, which is completely untrue. This is an Orthodox Christian country (we are Anglican) and we have never had problems with being openly Christian.
Patricia Joy, Brovary, Ukraine
