By Erik Madrid
As the war between Russia and Ukraine enters its third year, members of thevOklahoma Baptist University community are finding new ways to process the ongoing conflict — from prayer gatherings and classroom discussions to humanitarian efforts connected to the global Baptist network.
The war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has led to tens of thousands of deaths, widespread displacement, and lasting political and economic consequences. For OBU students and faculty, the conflict is not just a distant headline but a reminder of global interconnectedness, responsibility, and faith in times of crisis.
“Even though we’re in Shawnee, Oklahoma, we feel the ripple effects,” said Dr. David Houghton, dean of OBU’s Paul Dickinson College of Business. “The war has influenced everything from gas prices to international trade, and it’s something our students have to consider as they prepare to enter a global economy.”
The most direct impact on students has been economic. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, global oil prices spiked in the months following Russia’s invasion, raising costs at the pump for American consumers. OBU students, many of whom commute or work off-campus, have taken notice of the difference.
“Last year, when gas was close to $4 a gallon, it changed my whole budget,” said sophomore nursing student Anna Rodriguez. “I started carpooling with friends just to make it to class and work. I didn’t think a war overseas could affect me like that, but it really has.”
Faculty members and former faculty members have also incorporated conversations about Ukraine into coursework.
Dr. Louima Lilite, former professor of music, noted in an online article that several Christian campus chapel performances have included prayers and songs dedicated to peace and healing.
“Music has always been a way of expressing hope during difficult times,” he said. “For our students, it’s a chance to connect with a global tragedy through creativity and faith.”
Faith plays a central role in how OBU students engage with world events. In the days following the invasion, the university hosted a campus-wide prayer service for Ukraine, led by President Heath A. Thomas. That tradition has continued with smaller gatherings organized by student ministries.
“Prayer may feel small in the face of something as big as war, but it’s powerful,” said junior ministry major Caleb Wilson. “It reminds us that God is present with people in Ukraine and with us here. It’s a way of saying we’re not powerless.”
The Baptist World Alliance (BWA), of which OBU is a partner through its global network, has coordinated aid for Ukrainian refugees.
According to the BWA, more than 700,000 meals have been distributed since 2022 through Baptist churches in Eastern Europe. Some OBU students have participated in fundraising drives to support those efforts.
“It makes the conflict feel more real,” said Wilson. “We may not be able to get on a plane and help directly, but we can contribute to something bigger than ourselves.”
Beyond faith and finances, the Russia-Ukraine war has impacted how students perceive global politics. In political science courses, faculty have highlighted the conflict as a case study in international law, authoritarianism, and the interplay between democracy and authoritarianism.
“Students are asking big questions about the role of the United States, NATO, and international organizations,” said Dr. Jessica A. Clark, associate professor of history. “It challenges them to think critically about what justice and peace look like in a broken world.”
Some students have personal connections. International students from Eastern Europe have spoken privately with faculty members about their experiences, although many prefer not to be identified publicly due to safety concerns for their family members back home.
“Having peers who are directly impacted changes the conversation,” said Clark. “It reminds us that these are not abstract policy debates — they’re human stories.”
As the war continues with no clear resolution, OBU leaders encourage students to remain engaged, not overwhelmed. In chapel services and classroom discussions, the theme has often turned to perseverance and faith.
“The temptation is to look away when something is hard or far away,” said Houghton. “But part of Christian education is learning to face these realities with compassion and hope.”
For students like Rodriguez, the lesson is personal.
“I’ve realized how small actions — like praying, donating, or even just staying informed — really do matter,” she said. “It’s easy to feel like Shawnee is far from Ukraine, but what we do here reflects our values as Christians and as future leaders.”
