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INTERNATIONAL FORUM IN UKRAINE

Baptist World Alliance participated in the 2nd President Paul Msiza International Missionary Forum of

the All-Ukrainian Union of Associations of Evangelical Christians-Baptists in Kiev, Ukraine, from August 26-27. Msiza greeted forum delegates on behalf of the worldwide Baptist family. “It is very valuable to be here and experience how the evangelical faith, despite persecution and oppression, is spreading,” he said. “This International Missionary Forum is a testimony that God continues the great work of the gospel, which engendered a powerful evangelical movement (in Ukraine) beginning in the 18th

century.”

The forum focused on spreading the gospel in Ukraine and beyond its borders. The approximate 2,000 participants included representatives from Germany, Czech Republic, Portugal, Poland, Egypt, Canada and the United States. Ukrainian missionaries serving in Papua New Guinea, the Caucasus, the Middle East and Western Europe also attended.

There was an analysis of the union’s mission work and an examination of ways to establish support systems for missionaries who work in and out of Ukraine. Local churches were encouraged to be open to the possibility of missionary work for every member and that churches regard mission work as a priority. Local congregations were urged to be more aware of the mission call to reach Ukrainians and to not be indifferent to the salvation needs of other nations.

The theme, “Thy kingdom come!”

was extensively discussed and explored through reports, music, video presentations, sermons and seminars. Special prayer was offered for missionaries who work in other countries and who are financially and prayerfully

“The evangelical faith, despite persecution and oppression, is spreading.” — Paul Msiza

supported by the churches in Ukraine. Prayerful support was offered for the work being done for soldiers and their families through military chaplaincy and social services to widows, orphans, wounded and disabled veterans. Plans were announced to establish at least 50 new churches in the regional centers and large cities of Ukraine. During the 25 years of Ukraine’s independence, from 1991-2016, the union, which brings together Evangelical and Baptist churches in Ukraine, planted 1,096 new congregations. It now comprises 2,284 churches and 341 church groups, with a total membership of 115,000.

Left: President Poroshenko signs the decree on the celebration of the Reformation in Ukraine. Looking on is Pavel

Unguryan, a Baptist member of the Ukrainian Parliament. Below: BWA President Paul Msiza responds on behalf of the Baptist delegation. (Photos courtesy of AUUAECB)

BWA

PRESIDENT MEETS

UKRAINE’S LEADER

Baptist World Alliance President Paul Msiza led a Baptist

delegation that met with the president of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko, in August.

The meeting formed the occasion for the signing of a decree by Poroshenko “on the celebration of the 500th

Anniversary of the

Reformation in Ukraine.” The anniversary, a global celebration, has been ongoing and will

culminate, in most instances, in 2017. It marks the posting of the 95 theses by Martin Luther on the door of the Wittenberg Church in Germany, in October 1517. That act kicked off the Protestant movement, which led to one of the major breaches in Christianity. The Ukraine decree is recognition of the significance of Protestant Christianity, including Baptists, to the Eastern European country and allows for the use of public buildings for the celebrations. Support for the decree was granted by the Ukrainian Religious Council, which includes leaders of churches as well as representatives of the Jewish and Muslim communities. Its current chair is Valeriy Antonuk, president of the All-Ukrainian Union of Associations of Evangelical Christians-Baptists.

President Poroshenko stressed the importance of the decree, which demonstrates the government’s cooperation with Protestant and other religious organizations. He noted that Ukraine is a multi-confessional country and described the creation of the Ukrainian Council of Churches as an important development for the country. This, he said, helps to ensure peace and harmony between the various faiths. The Ukraine leader expressed a desire for chaplains of various faith traditions within the armed forces who can provide pastoral care. “It is important to ensure a high moral and psychological climate for those who stay immediately on the frontline,” he said. Msiza thanked Poroshenko for his support and wished the people

of Ukraine peace, stability and prosperity. He noted that the Ukraine Baptist union is one of the largest member bodies in the European Baptist Federation (EBF). The EBF is one of six regional fellowships of the BWA. “We are here today to show solidarity with the Ukrainians,” Msiza emphasized. “Our hearts are broken by human tragedies and conflicts, especially which Ukraine is experiencing at the present time.” Accompanying Msiza were EBF President Asatur Nahapetyan,

Vice President Jenni Entrican and General Secretary Tony Peck. They were in Ukraine to attend the Second Missionary Forum of the Baptist union, participating in several sessions.

OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2016 21

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