In February 2022, Russia invaded the neighboring nation of Ukraine. Since that time until the present, the bloody war has continued month after month. Despite strong economic sanctions and massive military aid to Ukraine, President Putin is relentless in his quest to make Ukraine a part of the Russian homeland.
Our Russian Baptist friends usually share nothing via email or electronic chat about their convictions on the war in general or President Putin in particular. Communications are monitored, and serious consequences could result if they make remarks that are unsupportive of Moscow.
Rev. Yuriy Sipko, however, is an exception. As the former president of the Russian Baptist Union and former vice-president of the Baptist World Alliance, he has a large platform from which to share his views. He repeatedly has spoken out against the moral evils of the war. He’s now considered a criminal by the Russian government and an enemy of the state. He’s fled the country and is safe abroad, but his family is still at risk. Because of his outspoken stance against the war as a leader of Russian Baptists, all Russian Baptists are now at increased risk. Even though their political opinions vary, they all are Baptists, just as Yuriy Sipko is Baptist. Long before the war, Baptists were viewed with skepticism by the Russian government and the Russian Orthodox Church. Now their reputation has grown worse. As recent events have shown, prominent Russians who are critical of President Putin do not fare well.
What can we do as American Baptists to help our Russian Baptist brothers and sisters? First, we can pray for God’s protection. We can ask our sovereign, all-powerful God to watch over our spiritual family members. Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Second, we can pray for God’s provision. Due to financial sanctions, official channels are now closed for ABC regions and International Ministries to send funds for relief. God, however, can make a way when there is no way. 2 Corinthians 9:8 says, “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” Third, we can pray for God’s boldness. Russian Baptists are no strangers to obeying God rather than men. During the Communist era, when preaching the Gospel was illegal, godly men would be arrested and imprisoned for pastoring churches. When a pastor was taken, another bold believer would take his place. We should pray now that these saints have the perseverance to stand for the Lord as their Biblical convictions dictate. Proverbs 28:1 says, “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.” Finally, we can pray for God’s peace. We can pray that President Putin ceases to wage war. We can pray that the deep divide between the Russian and Ukrainian people would heal. We can pray that all the other nations of the world work toward peace. Isaiah 9:6 says of our Lord Jesus, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Will you join me in making prayer for Russian Baptists a top priority? Will you pray for them regularly as individuals and as churches? As James 5:16b says, “…The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”