There is faith in the fire.
A Texas-based ministry, the Eastern European Mission (EEM), continues its long-standing mission of distributing Bibles and faith-based materials across Eastern Europe, including Ukraine, even amid the ongoing war with Russia. The ministry, which began in the 1960s smuggling Bibles into the Soviet Union, now works with a network of churches and Christian organizations to distribute Bibles in over 30 countries and 20 languages. In 2024, EEM aims to distribute nearly 1 million Bibles and related materials to help people in Eastern Europe, particularly Ukrainians impacted by the war.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has displaced millions, with many fleeing to neighboring countries like Poland, Hungary, and Moldova. Despite these challenges, EEM has seen a surge in demand for Ukrainian Bibles, driven by a growing need for spiritual solace. Dirk Smith, Vice President of EEM, attributes this increase to the way believers are handling the turmoil with a sense of peace that non-believers find compelling. As Ukrainians migrate, many non-believers are curious about the faith that provides such strength, leading them to request Bibles.
EEM continues to print Bibles in Ukraine, despite the challenges posed by the war. Supply chain disruptions have required rerouting, but the ministry has not faced significant obstacles in its operations. On the ground, EEM collaborates with local NGOs, churches, and ministries, which reach out for more Bibles after missile strikes or other tragedies. Smith emphasizes that the ministry’s role is to distribute God’s word, which has the power to transform lives, even in the midst of suffering.
The ministry’s efforts are a modern example of the Parable of the Sower, where the seed represents God’s word. Just as in the parable, some people accept the word and let it grow, while others fail to embrace it. EEM believes that, despite the hardships of war, the Gospel continues to take root in the hearts of those who are open to it, offering hope and peace in even the most desperate of circumstances.
Through its work, EEM remains a testament to the enduring power of faith, as the distribution of Bibles continues to provide a source of hope and resilience for displaced Ukrainians and other Eastern Europeans facing uncertainty and hardship.