The unthinkable alliance: How Russian and Ukrainian Christians are uniting to feed Israelis

As Iran launches more missiles and drones at Israeli cities, an extraordinary alliance of Russian and Ukrainian Christians is hand-delivering food packages to anxious families affected by the Iran war.

Remarkable!

Who’d have dreamed that Russians and Ukrainians — of all people — could serve alongside each other in the same ministry. After all, they’re supposed to be on opposing sides, aren’t they?

This is what the Gospel does. In a world defined by division, the Good News of Jesus Christ has the power to unite even those who appear to be on opposite sides of history.

As a frequent traveler to Ukraine, Russia, and Israel, I’ve seen many times how divisions that seem insurmountable have been swept away by one powerful, shared commitment — a passion to live for Jesus and the Gospel.

This unity is on full display in Israel today, where Christian immigrants from Russia and Ukraine have set aside “the elephant in the room” — the war in Ukraine — to serve others in a joint aid effort. Together, they’re bringing groceries — and hope — to Israelis huddled in bomb shelters and homes as sirens wail overhead.

From a human perspective, this kind of unity seems impossible. But these believers follow a Savior who specializes in doing the unimaginable.

Around 20% of Israelis have Ukrainian or Russian Jewish roots. They’re not blind to what’s going on in Europe. Nearly all of them have been deeply affected by the war in Ukraine, now grinding into its fifth year. Many have lost family and friends in the conflict.

Yet believers have made a conscious choice. Rather than dwelling on the differences that divide them, they focus on what unites them.

America today seems more divided than ever. Our political and cultural conflicts seem so large that many fear our nation has passed the point of no return — that the divisions, even among Christians, are too deep to overcome.

But consider the silent miracle unfolding in Israel

If Russian and Ukrainian Christians can come together, is it possible that American believers could find a way to move beyond our political differences and social media outrage — and unite in a greater cause?

One cause unites believers across ethnicities, nationalities, social status, and even politics — the desire to share God’s love and the Gospel with the world.

Recently, in my role with Slavic Gospel Association, I sat down for breakfast with a group of Evangelical pastors — Russians and Ukrainians — supported by the ministry. They ate together. They prayed together. They spoke with one voice about their shared mission.

One heart. One purpose.

Next time you feel despair rising over the division and strife in America, remember the Russian and Ukrainian believers serving side by side in Israel. Pour out your heart to God. Cry out for reconciliation and unity in our nation.

Then start where you are.

Share the one message that can truly unite us. Sow the seeds of the Gospel — in your words, your actions, and your social media posts.

America’s “silent miracle” can begin with each of us.