A pair of senior Baptist leaders were recently honoured by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky in recognition of the assistance provided by Baptists to the country during its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Elijah Brown, the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) General Secretary, and Alan Donaldson, European Baptist Federation (EBF) General Secretary, each took part in a ceremony wherein Zelensky recognised “contributions of Ukraine’s friends around the globe”.
Together with the All-Ukrainian Union of Associations of Evangelical Christian-Baptists, each the BWA and the EBF have been involved in providing aid and relief efforts to those impacted by the conflict.
It is estimated that over two million people have been supplied with shelter, food, medical care, mental health support and a complete range of other services due to the efforts of Baptists.
Brown was presented with the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, fifth Class, and Alan Donaldson received the Order of Merit, third Class.
He said, “It was a humbling experience to attend the ceremony and receive this honour on behalf of the Baptist World Alliance.
“This recognition is a mirrored image of the tireless dedication and courageous service of Ukrainian Baptists on the front lines of ministry in addition to the unwavering support of your entire global Baptist family.
“To receive such an honour within the midst of war can be a poignant reminder that much stays to be done. May all of us proceed to work together for lasting and just peace in Ukraine and around the globe.”
The ceremony coincided with Ukraine’s Independence Day on 24 August. The following day, they were among the many 1,200 people to attend the 2nd National Prayer Breakfast, including 350 international guests.
Donaldson said of the prayer breakfast, “Ukraine is a nation of beauty and brokenness. A nation that’s fighting for a lot of freedoms. Among its diminishing population are many individuals of Christian faith who’re searching for understanding of their circumstances and direction for learn how to live, speak, and share hope.
“Many are grieving the lack of family members through displacement, abduction, or the lack of life. We meet victims of torture who testify to the destruction of places of worship, and the systemic violence experienced by believers within the occupied territories.
“The National Prayer Breakfast was a moment in history where these stories were acknowledged, recorded, and grieved – where prayer was offered by people of all ages and a wide range of nations who seek to face in solidarity with Ukraine’s desire to live in freedom.”
 and European Baptist Federation General Secretary Alan Donaldson (R) with their medals. (Photo: Baptist Times) A pair of...){kind=link}