A Soldier’s Faith: Navigating War and Belief
In the midst of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a former missionary finds himself grappling with the moral complexities of warfare. Mykhailo Husiev, once deeply involved with the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students, now serves as a soldier in the Ukrainian army. His transition from missionary work to military duties provides a unique perspective on faith under duress.
Husiev, who spent nearly two decades with the Fellowship in Ukraine, Georgia, and Austria, currently holds the position of a record keeper within his battalion. His role involves documenting the activities of drone operations, a task he took on after receiving a conscription notice following the Russian invasion in early 2022.
“I decided it was God’s will. I was expecting it, yet afraid — I was 51 and not a military man,” Husiev explained in an interview with the European Evangelical Alliance. Initially denied the opportunity to volunteer due to a lack of available spaces, he soon found himself conscripted.
Confronted with the harsh realities of war, Husiev maintains a clear distinction between aggression and defense. He criticizes religious institutions for not adequately addressing this differentiation. “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 stated. “This difference is not properly explained in our churches. In the Old Testament, we see that defending against the enemy is not a sin.”
Despite initial difficulties in reconciling his actions with his beliefs, Husiev describes finding unexpected joy following successful operations. “I later found myself full of joy after successful attacks. I struggled with whether this was normal. But this is war,” he reflected.
Husiev remains steadfast in aligning his actions with his Christian values, openly sharing his faith with fellow soldiers. “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 emphasizes the importance of chaplains who share in soldiers’ experiences, drawing parallels with the life of Jesus. “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 asserted.
Facing the constant threat of mortality, Husiev relies on prayer, pastoral support, and scripture for solace. He finds particular comfort in Isaiah 41:8-11, which reassures him of God’s presence and strength. “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
