Faith and Duty: A Former Missionary’s Journey in the Ukrainian Army
In the midst of conflict, balancing personal beliefs with military duties can be a formidable challenge. Mykhailo Husiev, a former missionary, now finds himself on the frontline as a soldier in the Ukrainian army. His journey sheds light on how faith can coexist with the harsh demands of war.
For nearly two decades, Husiev dedicated his life to the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students, working across Ukraine, Georgia, and Austria. Today, his role as a record keeper at his battalion headquarters involves documenting drone flight operations.
Husiev recounted to the European Evangelical Alliance his initial attempt to volunteer following Russia’s 2022 incursion, an effort thwarted by limited openings. However, conscription soon followed, which he interpreted as divine will. “I decided it was God’s will. I was expecting it, yet afraid — I was 51 and not a military man,” he stated.
The moral complexities of warfare are not lost on Husiev. He expressed that pre-war, he understood the distinction between aggressive and defensive violence, an understanding not fully addressed within church teachings. “Even before the war, I knew the difference between killing to take what your neighbor has versus defending your family and land when an enemy attacks,” he explained. “This difference is not properly explained in our churches. In the Old Testament, we see that defending against the enemy is not a sin.”
Admitting that the initial experience of participating in combat was “hard,” Husiev also shared the unexpected emotions that followed success in battle. “I later found myself full of joy after successful attacks. I struggled with whether this was normal. But this is war,” he confessed.
Despite the circumstances, Husiev remains steadfast in his commitment to Christian values, a fact well-known to his peers and commander. “I never hide what I believe. My commander knows I’m an Evangelical. People know my principles and admire my family and church support. They know I won’t do certain things, like lie about statistics,” he noted.
He emphasized the critical role of chaplains, underscoring the importance of shared experiences in their ministry. “Jesus lived among His followers—He was right there with them, sleeping, talking, and eating. That’s how He made a difference. Chaplains need to live the life of soldiers to be efficient. If they live far away and just drop by occasionally, it will only arouse anger,” he remarked.
Confronting the looming presence of death, Husiev finds solace in prayer, pastoral care, and scripture, particularly Isaiah 41:8-11. “I keep in mind and heart the most necessary knowledge about God. During difficult times, I remember what God says. One of the most encouraging passages is Isaiah 41:8-11, which reminds me not to fear because God is with me, strengthening and upholding me,” he shared.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
