Evangelical Christians Targeted in Ukraine: A Faith Under Siege

The Genesis of 'A Faith Under Siege'

• 💡 The film's executive producer, Colby Barrett, felt a divine calling to visit Ukraine for humanitarian aid and to document the persecution of Christians.
• 🎯 Despite initial reluctance due to family and the ongoing war, Barrett traveled to the front lines and interviewed over 30 individuals who had suffered directly.

Russian Persecution of Evangelicals

• 🇷🇺 While both Russia and Ukraine have large Christian populations, the Russian Orthodox Church has declared the conflict a "Holy War" against Ukraine and the West.
• ✝️ Evangelical Christians (Baptists, Pentecostals) are disproportionately targeted by Russian forces, often viewed as having American affiliations or being difficult to control due to their independent church structures.
• 📉 Statistics reveal that Protestants, making up 2-4% of Ukraine's population, constitute about half of the killed faith leaders, and over half of the churches shelled, looted, or destroyed.

The Impact of Targeting Faith

• 💔 The film highlights an intentional effort to erase faith from occupied territories, evidenced by the destruction of churches and the targeting of religious leaders.
• 🧒 A significant concern is the abduction of Ukrainian children by Russian forces, with some being forcibly adopted into Russia or sent to military camps for future combat.

Personal Reflections and Hope

• ✨ Barrett describes a sense of calm and comfort while in war-torn areas, attributing it to following God's will and the resilience of the Ukrainian people.
• 📖 The experiences of Ukrainian Christians are likened to those of first-century Christians facing an oppressive empire, emphasizing their deep reliance on God.
• 🕊️ A pastor in Kherson exemplifies this hope, continuing to serve his community despite repeated attacks on his church and family, drawing even secular individuals to his message of resilience.

Call to Action and Information

• 📢 The film aims to provide firsthand, accurate information to American Christians amidst propaganda, encouraging prayer, support, and donations for abducted children and rebuilding efforts.
• 🙏 Prayer is emphasized as a powerful tool for change, not only for Ukrainian Christians but also for a potential change of heart in Russia.