“This weapon gives life, hope, changes life, gives happiness,” says a Ukrainian soldier while pointing to a New Testament provided by BTJ. Then he shows his automatic rifle and continues, “this weapon takes life and brings pain and heaviness. May God protect us from it!”
A year ago, BTJ funded and produced almost 36,000 New Testaments in the modern Ukrainian language and our partners delivered them to where they were most needed: military hospitals, the frontlines of combat, and cities under artillery shell fire. Racing against time, bringing the precious Word to people and hoping it will reach them before bombs do; seeing people receive their copies of the Bread of Life along with packs of basic supplies and food were heartwarming moments. We’ve received videos of tireless Christians driving their minivans through Kharkiv and setting up humanitarian points – even when the city was under artillery fire.
Thanks to you, the BTJ supporters, we were able to manufacture the Bibles in solid hard cover and in two designs: “civilian blue” and “camouflage”, all of which disappeared quickly, as the need was great. Now, a year later, we are still receiving pictures and testimonies from people who are clinging to God despite the war horrors and hardships, and still sharing the good news of Jesus in times of despair.
In our line of ministry it is not usual to be able to safely share so much feedback from Bible distributions, but this time is different. Ukraine is not a closed country where the Bible would be a main target for the authorities, so we have the liberty of reporting on the heavenly news from this war-torn country.
Civilian or soldier, Ukrainian or Russian, all need the grace of our Lord to get their lives together and persevere. Thanks to some small miracles we were able to supply the Ukrainian soldiers with the Scriptures and we pray that there is someone on the other side of that conflict, working on bringing the precious words of Jesus to the Russian soldiers. Once we were all there; lost, covered in sin, hopeless and, as we were found, we can now understand the spiritual needs of those involved in this war, and we can all pray and work to reach the ones who are still in the darkness of sin.
“Before the bombs do…”
This message reminds readers that even in the darkest times of war, hope and faith can shine through, providing life, healing, and purpose to those enduring unimaginable hardships.
This article is truly touching! In times of war, soldiers need not only weapons but also spiritual support. It’s inspiring to see BTJ providing New Testaments to Ukrainian soldiers and civilians; it symbolizes hope. Faith becomes especially important in such moments, helping people find strength in despair. The stories of Christians continuing to spread the Gospel amidst artillery fire are incredibly moving. I hope everyone can find inner peace and hope in such difficult circumstances!
It’s incredible to see how hope can shine through even the darkest of times! The testimonies from the soldiers and civilians remind us of the power of faith and love. Such an inspiring initiative to deliver the New Testaments amidst the chaos—thank you to everyone making a difference! Let’s continue to support one another and spread that light!
This article is incredibly moving! It’s amazing to see how faith and hope can bring light even in the darkest times. The initiative to provide New Testaments to those in need, especially amidst the chaos of war, is truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing these powerful stories of resilience and love.
This article was really intriguing. I hope you keep adding good content to the community.