When the war in Ukraine started Masha and Nastiya knew God was calling them to join the 93rd Brigade to risk their lives to defend their country.
VIDEO SCRIPT
Two very ordinary Ukrainian Christian friends have taken on an extraordinary mission to defend their country.
STAND UP: And I’m here in the Donbas region just about twelve miles from the frontlines to find out why Masha and Nastiya are risking their lives to serve here in the 93rd brigade, but also the opportunities they’re having to live out their Christian faith.
Each day Masha and Nastiya pray together for God’s protection over them as well as opportunities to share God’s love with their fellow troops.
Masha tells me as she serves alongside their chaplain to provide rehabilitation to the wounded soldiers as well as with her service dog Phoebe they have many opportunities to share about their faith:
After their injuries they worry a lot and that’s why they’re looking for an answer. And sometimes when we’re spending time together and they start to ask questions about our faith.
Everyone in our brigade who knows us, they also know that we are Christians and if they have questions about our faith they know they are always welcome to talk.
Nastiya who was a wedding photographer before the war uses these skills to capture images of her brigade. She also sees a tremendous openness to the Gospel among her colleagues.
They are the most close to God because they’re in danger every second when they’re going to the frontlines where they can die. They see God so clearly. They have questions about God because they saw their life can be ended and what will happen next.
And while these two special friends continue to help each other on this challenging mission, they’re prayer is that Ukraine will soon experience freedom, peace and lives can be rebuilt.
People Interviewed and their Titles
Masha – 93rd Brigade Soldier
Nastiya – 93rd Brigade Soldier
Recording Location
Donbas, East Ukraine
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