It is hard for me to believe that just 7 years ago, just after the 2014 Russian invasion and annexation of Crimea, I was visiting Rakhiv, Ukraine and tensions were high and locals were being drafted into military service. While at dinner on Saturday night with a group of friends and new acquaintances the pastor of the local church that was sitting next to me leaned over and asked if I would preach for him the next morning as he had to be on a train to Kiev for a draft inspection and physical. I was surprised to say the least but I was privileged to preach for for that local congregation and fellowship with this loving group of Christians the following morning which was more of a blessing for me than for them I'm sure. The Ukrainian man that translated for me that morning had just the day before harvested and processed a sweet treasure of wild honey from the mountains and provided me a jar. This sweet honey along with the freshly baked bread that you could buy in the morning on street corners and the local fresh milk truly made Ukraine a land flowing with "milk and honey" in my experience.
Today, the conflict, uncertainty, peril and war has been brought back to this wonderful place and people. I include a note from a missionary pastor in Eastern Ukraine to give you some perspective on their work and desire during this most difficult time. Please Pray for Ukraine and that God would use his people to make not just a physical difference but a spiritual one as well. Dima is a faithful missionary pastor who ministers in the war zone of eastern Ukraine and he shared these words:
“Dear friends, brothers and sisters from different parts of the world, we are appealing to you at this dark time for all of us. Today is a time when black clouds from the explosions are blocking the sun over our capital. Tonight and tomorrow are crucial. Everything that the entire civilized world believed in and built up thus far is at stake. With tears in our eyes we ask you, regardless of the time zone, to spend all of this time fasting and praying to God. Pray that the Lord will protect us from the individuals who want to mock the faith and truth of God. Prayer is stronger than the strongest enemy! With love and hope in the Lord, Your brothers and sisters from Ukraine.”
Dima knows that the true enemy is the sin and systems of this world that draw men away from God and to themselves. So he calls for transforming prayer. He and his team venture into the war zone with food and the Gospel, and supported by prayer for the hearts of many. May our Lord have mercy on our friends in Ukraine, but most of all, may He turn the hearts of many to Him in saving faith that lasting peace may be found.”
As you watch the news and see the images from the brutal war being waged on Ukraine, I would ask that you pause when you see or read these accounts and pray and ask that God would (1) move in the hearts of leaders to restore peace, (2) that he would protect and embolden the Patriots that fight for liberty and religious freedom and that He would (3) provide for the physical needs of those in the midst of the struggle.
