This week our hearts broke as we saw the countries we love engage in an ugly war. For over 25 years, we have ministered in the Russia and Ukraine region. We have developed friendships, shared meals, laughed, and cried with brothers and sisters in both these countries. Many of the pastors we partner with within that region were former students in the early years of ministry. Our hearts ache when we read messages from friends that say, “We have been attacked. There were explosions near my city. Our cities are being bombed.” A father sent the message, “Pray for safety for my older kids who are still in Kyiv, we are trying to figure out how to get them out.” Our hearts break with each of them.
A Ukrainian pastor wrote this week, “If the church is not relevant at a time when society is going through a crisis period, then it is not relevant in a time of peace.” He had the opportunity to leave the city but decided to stay so that the church can be THE CHURCH and minister during a time of great need. This pastor’s church is filling up with families in need.
What should our response be as believers here? For many of us, all we can do right now is pray…and prayer is enough.
· Pray for the people of Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine who have been thrust into a war, not of their choosing.
· Pray for the church in these countries. Pray that they will stand firm during a time of great trial and danger.
· Pray for opportunities that may present themselves to show the love of God to all involved in this conflict.
It is not our place to question God’s plan through all of this. What we can do is echo the words of Job in Job 42:2 when he says, “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” So, in that, we will trust in the Lord, pray for our brothers and sisters, and know God is sovereign over all.