Overview

Christianity Today Book Awards Missions and the Global Church Award of Merit (2025) When Russia invaded Ukraine, an evangelical seminary lost everything--except its commitment to serving God. In this searing eyewitness account, Valentyn Syniy recounts how the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 upended life for students, teachers, and staff of the Tavriski Christian Institute. As president of TCI, Syniy was responsible for evacuating the seminary community and leading them hundreds of miles to a safer location. Upon arrival, Syniy and his colleagues faced new challenges: where would everyone stay? How long would they live as refugees? How could ministry training continue during wartime? What unfolded over the next nine months is a gripping story of faith and resilience amid fear and chaos. Displaced and dispossessed, TCI courageously embraced new forms of Christian service. They poured their energies into the town that was sheltering them, ministering to neighbors in need and facilitating activities for local youth. They drove into combat zones to help shuttle people to safety. Despite the devastating news that their campus back home had been destroyed, they carried on with their educational pursuits, holding classes in makeshift spaces. While showing how the war impacted the seminary, Syniy also reveals how it affected him and his family--how within the chaos, for example, they carved out sacred space to celebrate his daughter's wedding; how he worried about his elderly father, a pastor who refused to evacuate because he did not want to abandon his congregation; how it felt to see his home again after months of displacement and trauma. The result is a powerful account of the war's impact on individuals as well as communities. Serving God Under Siege occupies an important space in Christian writing about war. Syniy explores the same question that C. S. Lewis addressed in his classic sermon ""Learning in War-Time"" how can an educational institution carry on when the world is falling apart? By exploring this question in a full-length book, Syniy is able to delve deeper and illuminate more complex answers. Serving God Under Siege is also a worthy successor to Corrie Ten Boom's classic memoir The Hiding Place, insofar as it transports readers to a place where Christians are grappling with contemporary evil and trying to find ways to bear witness to Christ's love. Simultaneously heartbreaking and inspiring, Syniy's book is a must read for those who care about the global church and want to understand the human cost of the war in Ukraine.

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9780802885692

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Reviews

""This shocking, close-up personal account brings us face to face with the human cost of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. As a seminary president, Valentyn Syniy describes the massive practical challenges of evacuation as well as the huge pastoral problems of individuals, families, and whole communities. What emerges, alongside the mindless brutality of the aggressors, is a story of faith, prayer, hope, courage and, not least, of Christians from different traditions coming together in newly discovered fellowship and solidarity. As the conflict continues, this must-read account of its early months should stir all readers to lament, prayer, and support."" --N. T. Wright, former bishop of Durham; professor emeritus of New Testament, University of St Andrews; senior research fellow, Wycliffe Hall, Oxford ""How do you respond when your life is shattered and hundreds of churches are destroyed? Serving God Under Siege invites you into a courageous journey of radical love that will strengthen your faith. You will be inspired and equipped to stand boldly with the persecuted, serve your community with compassion, and embrace Holy Spirit creativity to bring transformation. Filled with harrowing stories and an even more powerful God, Serving God Under Siege is not just a book; it's a call to action that will leave a lasting impact."" --Elijah M. Brown, General Secretary and CEO, Baptist World Alliance ""Valentyn Syniy's account of his escape from Kherson with his family, his constant anxiety for his church and seminary, is incredibly moving. The story vividly portrays the devastation wrought by the Russian army in eastern Ukraine and its impact on Ukrainian churches. It is an arresting narrative--fast-paced, gripping, and hard to put down. The book illuminates important realities: the personal fear and tragedy of a refugee, the humanitarian crisis, the struggles of church leaders amidst the invasion, and a man's love for his church, country, family, and home."" --Michael F. Bird, deputy principal of Ridley College ""I can't remember the last time I read a book in one sitting--until now. Serving God Under Siege gripped me from the first chapter to the end. In this powerful and honest account, Valentin Syniy offers a deeply personal account of the first months of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Through his eyes, we witness the heartache, dilemmas, ministry challenges, and life lessons forged in the crucible of suffering engulfing his nation. Every Christian should read this book--not only to see beyond the headlines, but to understand how to stand faithfully with our brothers and sisters in Ukraine."" --Robin Harris, chair of the Center for Excellence in World Arts, Dallas International University ""As my own father came from his beloved Ukraine; and as a number of our Ukrainian relatives were war refugees for whom my extended family raised support; and as my wife and I visited Ukraine during wartime, spoke with our Ukrainian friends and relatives, and witnessed some of the devastation wrought by the Russian army, this powerful story by Valentin Siniy struck home in a singular way. His book describes the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on his own family and his nation: the horrors and atrocities, the displacement and disorientation of refugees, but also the hope of the gospel in the midst of the rubble. This deeply personal war autobiography exhibits courageous Christian leadership and Spirit-filled community in the face of loss, anger, confusion, and moral struggle."" --Paul Copan, Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics, Palm Beach Atlantic University ""Honest. Personal. Deeply moving. These are words that come to mind when (not if) one reads Valentyn Syniy's eyewitness account of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The book goes beyond the lead story of the evening news, into the hearts and minds of Syniy and the Tavriski Christian Institute community. This book is a page-turner, one you will find difficult to put down."" --Mark Scott, professor emeritus of preaching and New Testament at Ozark Christian College and Lincoln Seminary ""War in Congo claimed many lives and displaced my wife and her family for eighteen months. Syniy's book reveals the speed at which the normalcy of peace can be shattered by the horrors of war and displacement, even in a comparatively economically advanced setting like Ukraine, in Europe. This book also testifies to the spirit of those who, in Christ, find and create hope for the future from the remains of the past."" --Craig S. Keener, F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of Biblical Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary ""God's sovereign ability to bring good out of evil, without denying or diminishing the reality of evil itself, is a biblical truth as old as Joseph's assurance to his brothers (Gen. 50:20) and as cosmically powerful as the cross itself. Russia's unprovoked war of aggression, invasion, annexation and incalculable death and destruction against Ukraine, ranks among the most flagrantly unjust of all the terrifying evils so far in this twenty-first century. What good can possibly triumph over such evil? What possible mustard seeds of God's kingdom can flourish in such poisoned soil? Valentyn Syniy's searing but hope-filled story shows that they can and do. His voice speaks for many of his Ukrainian sisters and brothers, seminary leaders, pastors and teachers, who have courageously stayed and faithfully served their people with the hands and feet of Jesus. Even in the midst of intense personal suffering and bereavement, relentless and sleepless bombardment, and acute theological questioning, their mission has not changed, and their voice cries out to God and to the rest of God's family. It's a voice we must hear and a cry we must make our own."" --Christopher J. H. Wright, International Ambassador, Langham Partnership ""I have read many books about faith under fire. This is the rawest and most faith-filled account I have read. From the challenge of evacuating the Tavriski Christian Institute in Kherson to the drama of relocating hundreds of miles away, the entire book is a page-turner. Bearing witness to the miracle of faith, TCI staff and students--themselves refugees--organize humanitarian aid for other refugees while praying, preaching, and loving others, even their enemies. The book also bears witness to the prophetic courage of Ukrainian churches which, since the Orange Revolution, have always sided with the people while Russian churches side with the authorities. A magnificent testimony."" --Tim Costello, executive director of Micah Australia and senior fellow at the Centre for Public Christianity ""Serving God Under Siege, a firsthand account of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, bears witness to the faith and resilience of seminary president Valentyn Syniy and his family, colleagues, and students at the Tavriski Christian Institute. As the seminary shifts overnight from classroom ponderings to lifesaving ministries of humanitarian aid and refugee evacuations, their experience illuminates crucial spiritual truths: the encouragement of Scripture in times of distress, the beauty of Christian hospitality, the value of ministry partnerships, and more. Serving God Under Siege also provides a wealth of practical insight for any reader with a heart for Christian service. In the seminary's responses to war and displacement, readers see the importance of offering help that fosters initiative instead of dependence, providing trauma counseling, exercising sensitivity to cross-cultural issues, and taking steps to avoid burnout. This compelling memoir paints a vivid picture of the Tavriski Christian Institute's outstanding educational and humanitarian ministry."" --Mark R. Elliott, editor emeritus of the East-West Church and Ministry Report

""How do you respond when your life is shattered and hundreds of churches are destroyed? Serving God Under Siege invites you into a courageous journey of radical love that will strengthen your faith. You will be inspired and equipped to stand boldly with the persecuted, serve your community with compassion, and embrace Holy Spirit creativity to bring transformation. Filled with harrowing stories and an even more powerful God, Serving God Under Siege is not just a book; it's a call to action that will leave a lasting impact."" --Elijah M. Brown, General Secretary and CEO, Baptist World Alliance ""Valentyn Syniy's account of his escape from Kherson with his family, his constant anxiety for his church and seminary, is incredibly moving. The story vividly portrays the devastation wrought by the Russian army in eastern Ukraine and its impact on Ukrainian churches. It is an arresting narrative--fast-paced, gripping, and hard to put down. The book illuminates important realities: the personal fear and tragedy of a refugee, the humanitarian crisis, the struggles of church leaders amidst the invasion, and a man's love for his church, country, family, and home."" --Michael F. Bird, deputy principal of Ridley College ""I can't remember the last time I read a book in one sitting--until now. Serving God Under Siege gripped me from the first chapter to the end. In this powerful and honest account, Valentin Syniy offers a deeply personal account of the first months of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Through his eyes, we witness the heartache, dilemmas, ministry challenges, and life lessons forged in the crucible of suffering engulfing his nation. Every Christian should read this book--not only to see beyond the headlines, but to understand how to stand faithfully with our brothers and sisters in Ukraine."" --Robin Harris, chair of the Center for Excellence in World Arts, Dallas International University ""As my own father came from his beloved Ukraine; and as a number of our Ukrainian relatives were war refugees for whom my extended family raised support; and as my wife and I visited Ukraine during wartime, spoke with our Ukrainian friends and relatives, and witnessed some of the devastation wrought by the Russian army, this powerful story by Valentin Siniy struck home in a singular way. His book describes the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on his own family and his nation: the horrors and atrocities, the displacement and disorientation of refugees, but also the hope of the gospel in the midst of the rubble. This deeply personal war autobiography exhibits courageous Christian leadership and Spirit-filled community in the face of loss, anger, confusion, and moral struggle."" --Paul Copan, Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics, Palm Beach Atlantic University ""Honest. Personal. Deeply moving. These are words that come to mind when (not if) one reads Valentyn Syniy's eyewitness account of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The book goes beyond the lead story of the evening news, into the hearts and minds of Syniy and the Tavriski Christian Institute community. This book is a page-turner, one you will find difficult to put down."" --Mark Scott, professor emeritus of preaching and New Testament at Ozark Christian College and Lincoln Seminary ""War in Congo claimed many lives and displaced my wife and her family for eighteen months. Syniy's book reveals the speed at which the normalcy of peace can be shattered by the horrors of war and displacement, even in a comparatively economically advanced setting like Ukraine, in Europe. This book also testifies to the spirit of those who, in Christ, find and create hope for the future from the remains of the past."" --Craig S. Keener, F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of Biblical Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary

""Serving God Under Siege has much to teach those who want to learn about Ukrainian culture, the psychology of war, putting one's theology and faith into practice, the effects of humanitarian aid and what it means to be a refugee."" --Baptist Standard ""This shocking, close-up personal account brings us face to face with the human cost of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. As a seminary president, Valentyn Syniy describes the massive practical challenges of evacuation as well as the huge pastoral problems of individuals, families, and whole communities. What emerges, alongside the mindless brutality of the aggressors, is a story of faith, prayer, hope, courage and, not least, of Christians from different traditions coming together in newly discovered fellowship and solidarity. As the conflict continues, this must-read account of its early months should stir all readers to lament, prayer, and support."" --N. T. Wright, former bishop of Durham; professor emeritus of New Testament, University of St Andrews; senior research fellow, Wycliffe Hall, Oxford ""How do you respond when your life is shattered and hundreds of churches are destroyed? Serving God Under Siege invites you into a courageous journey of radical love that will strengthen your faith. You will be inspired and equipped to stand boldly with the persecuted, serve your community with compassion, and embrace Holy Spirit creativity to bring transformation. Filled with harrowing stories and an even more powerful God, Serving God Under Siege is not just a book; it's a call to action that will leave a lasting impact."" --Elijah M. Brown, General Secretary and CEO, Baptist World Alliance ""Valentyn Syniy's account of his escape from Kherson with his family, his constant anxiety for his church and seminary, is incredibly moving. The story vividly portrays the devastation wrought by the Russian army in eastern Ukraine and its impact on Ukrainian churches. It is an arresting narrative--fast-paced, gripping, and hard to put down. The book illuminates important realities: the personal fear and tragedy of a refugee, the humanitarian crisis, the struggles of church leaders amidst the invasion, and a man's love for his church, country, family, and home."" --Michael F. Bird, deputy principal of Ridley College ""I can't remember the last time I read a book in one sitting--until now. Serving God Under Siege gripped me from the first chapter to the end. In this powerful and honest account, Valentin Syniy offers a deeply personal account of the first months of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Through his eyes, we witness the heartache, dilemmas, ministry challenges, and life lessons forged in the crucible of suffering engulfing his nation. Every Christian should read this book--not only to see beyond the headlines, but to understand how to stand faithfully with our brothers and sisters in Ukraine."" --Robin Harris, chair of the Center for Excellence in World Arts, Dallas International University ""As my own father came from his beloved Ukraine; and as a number of our Ukrainian relatives were war refugees for whom my extended family raised support; and as my wife and I visited Ukraine during wartime, spoke with our Ukrainian friends and relatives, and witnessed some of the devastation wrought by the Russian army, this powerful story by Valentin Siniy struck home in a singular way. His book describes the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on his own family and his nation: the horrors and atrocities, the displacement and disorientation of refugees, but also the hope of the gospel in the midst of the rubble. This deeply personal war autobiography exhibits courageous Christian leadership and Spirit-filled community in the face of loss, anger, confusion, and moral struggle."" --Paul Copan, Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics, Palm Beach Atlantic University ""Honest. Personal. Deeply moving. These are words that come to mind when (not if) one reads Valentyn Syniy's eyewitness account of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The book goes beyond the lead story of the evening news, into the hearts and minds of Syniy and the Tavriski Christian Institute community. This book is a page-turner, one you will find difficult to put down."" --Mark Scott, professor emeritus of preaching and New Testament at Ozark Christian College and Lincoln Seminary ""War in Congo claimed many lives and displaced my wife and her family for eighteen months. Syniy's book reveals the speed at which the normalcy of peace can be shattered by the horrors of war and displacement, even in a comparatively economically advanced setting like Ukraine, in Europe. This book also testifies to the spirit of those who, in Christ, find and create hope for the future from the remains of the past."" --Craig S. Keener, F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of Biblical Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary ""God's sovereign ability to bring good out of evil, without denying or diminishing the reality of evil itself, is a biblical truth as old as Joseph's assurance to his brothers (Gen. 50:20) and as cosmically powerful as the cross itself. Russia's unprovoked war of aggression, invasion, annexation and incalculable death and destruction against Ukraine, ranks among the most flagrantly unjust of all the terrifying evils so far in this twenty-first century. What good can possibly triumph over such evil? What possible mustard seeds of God's kingdom can flourish in such poisoned soil? Valentyn Syniy's searing but hope-filled story shows that they can and do. His voice speaks for many of his Ukrainian sisters and brothers, seminary leaders, pastors and teachers, who have courageously stayed and faithfully served their people with the hands and feet of Jesus. Even in the midst of intense personal suffering and bereavement, relentless and sleepless bombardment, and acute theological questioning, their mission has not changed, and their voice cries out to God and to the rest of God's family. It's a voice we must hear and a cry we must make our own."" --Christopher J. H. Wright, International Ambassador, Langham Partnership ""I have read many books about faith under fire. This is the rawest and most faith-filled account I have read. From the challenge of evacuating the Tavriski Christian Institute in Kherson to the drama of relocating hundreds of miles away, the entire book is a page-turner. Bearing witness to the miracle of faith, TCI staff and students--themselves refugees--organize humanitarian aid for other refugees while praying, preaching, and loving others, even their enemies. The book also bears witness to the prophetic courage of Ukrainian churches which, since the Orange Revolution, have always sided with the people while Russian churches side with the authorities. A magnificent testimony."" --Tim Costello, executive director of Micah Australia and senior fellow at the Centre for Public Christianity ""Serving God Under Siege, a firsthand account of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, bears witness to the faith and resilience of seminary president Valentyn Syniy and his family, colleagues, and students at the Tavriski Christian Institute. As the seminary shifts overnight from classroom ponderings to lifesaving ministries of humanitarian aid and refugee evacuations, their experience illuminates crucial spiritual truths: the encouragement of Scripture in times of distress, the beauty of Christian hospitality, the value of ministry partnerships, and more. Serving God Under Siege also provides a wealth of practical insight for any reader with a heart for Christian service. In the seminary's responses to war and displacement, readers see the importance of offering help that fosters initiative instead of dependence, providing trauma counseling, exercising sensitivity to cross-cultural issues, and taking steps to avoid burnout. This compelling memoir paints a vivid picture of the Tavriski Christian Institute's outstanding educational and humanitarian ministry."" --Mark R. Elliott, editor emeritus of the East-West Church and Ministry Report

Author Information

Valentyn Syniy holds master's degrees in theology and history and a doctorate in theology. Since 2006, he has served as president of Tavriski Christian Institute, an evangelical seminary in Ukraine.

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