This 36-minute documentary is remarkable and powerful. The full title is: Soldiers in Light: A Former Green Beret and His Family in Ukraine, and it’s part of the Faith in War series.
Christian Hickey, from Jacksonville, Florida, a former U.S. Marine, then a deputy sheriff for ten years, and then a Green Beret, was called into the ministry before Russia invaded Ukraine. His wife Ashley, and their kids, followed him in the calling. Ashley lives in Kyiv with the children while Christian is on the front lines, ministering to soldiers and handing out audio Bibles.
Christian’s friend, Tim, helps him preach the gospel and Gennadiy Mokhnenko helps as well. Their weapon? According to Christian, it’s his Bible. He touches lives as he shares the Word of the Lord.
The cruel reality of the Russian invasion is mentioned at times in the documentary, as it’s stated a thousand people, including women and children, were killed in a bombing, along with a pastor and one of his daughters. The scenes of devastation are heart-breaking, as partly destroyed buildings are seen on screen. One Christian shares about being scared, cold, and missing his family. But, he adds, “Christ is always with you.” The fact it’s been a long war is also examined in the documentary.
The battle they face is compared to David facing Goliath, the odds are against them, but they firmly believe that God is with them. Bakers, cooks, drivers put on uniforms to defend their country and Christian Hickey shows them how to use guns to stand their ground.
The inspiring documentary includes video of Christian and Tim praying for a man named Vegas in a store. Christian admits to never knowing fear until he came to Ukraine. Yet, one scene shows a cross on top of a church, an inspiring reminder of their mission. Many are able to evacuate precarious situations victoriously. In one stirring and memorable scene “Our God is an Awesome God” is played on the piano.
In one compelling scene a man named Serhii Hadarzhi mentions losing his wife Anna on March 2, 2024, during a drone strike while they slept. Both Anna and his four-month old son Timothy were killed. These striking moments are unforgettable. Serhii mentions he pictures Jesus holding his young baby.
Christian’s wife Ashley and their children are studying in the book of Romans and they have to head to a bunker for their safety. Christian says he trusts God and, with his Bible seen on the dashboard of his vehicle, says he wants to continue to minister to people. In another potent scene a pastor talks about his church being destroyed, and how the congregation hid in the basement for months with no heat. The burning building above them was their only heat. Yet they keep their faith. As one man says, “You’re walking out your faith.” A man named Victor survived a bomb landing near him and says they survived because of prayer.
These remarkable people will inspire you. Near the end we see Christian building a snowman with his children and his wife Ashley says she loves being a missionary’s wife.
You can watch the full episode here.
Content Analysis: A strong Christian theme and faith in the Bible and in God answering prayer is seen throughout the documentary. Comments are made such as walking out your faith.
Think About It: Good discussion topics include how we keep faith when we are facing great hardships or tests in life. The people in the documentary trust God’s promises and in prayer. Why some countries invade others is another important discussion possibility.
The Dove Take: This inspirational documentary is unforgettable! The images and the faith of the people who face overwhelming odds and yet maintain their faith are uplifting, empowering, and moving. Due to the subject of violence, we are recommending this documentary for ages 12 and above. Parents should consult our content listing to make informed decisions.
