It is not a secret that there is a war going on in Ukraine. As most of you remember, Greg and I spent 10 years in Odesa, Ukraine. We have many Ukrainian friends--some who have come through the seminary, and other friends who currently live in Prague. So this has impacted us in a rather personal way. We know the people that are being targeted and pushed out of their homes with the fear for their lives.

Someone in Kyiv wrote the following which is worth pondering:
Do you know Ukraine is the main missionary-sending country for Eastern Europe and Central Asia? One missiologist said, “The church is very strong. As far as Europe is concerned, the Ukrainian church is perhaps the strongest and is doing the most for education, training and sending out workers. A director at Kyiv Theological Seminary said, “Even in the midst of this kind of uncertainty, this kind of ominous threats, (students) are trying to keep their focus on Jesus.” An invasion by Russia is Satan’s way of disrupting this.

Our hearts and our prayers are continuously with them.

I have listed some ways you can pray for the people and the situation. But first, I want to encourage you with these words from the Sons of Korah. They give testimony of the great power and might of their God, who is also our God.

God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
    and the mountains quake with their surging.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall;
    God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
    he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Come and see what the Lord has done,
    the desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease
    to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
    he burns the shields with fire.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”

The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. (Psalm 46)

Now, how you can pray for Ukraine:

Pray for the Ukrainian believers to be safe from all harm. As a Ukrainian friends said "those bullets do not need to really come out of the guns." Pray for their hearts to be full of courage and love as they reach out to their fellow Ukrainians and as they interact with any Russians they encounter. Pray that God would supply all their needs.

Pray for the Ukrainians who do not know Jesus yet--that they would find comfort in his redemption of their souls.

Pray for the missionaries who have chosen to stay in country. Pray for Sasha whose American wife and children are on the west side of Ukraine currently in safety, but he has chosen to stay in Odesa to help people in need. We have ways to getting funds to them if you are interested.

Pray for the Ukrainians who are working with organizations that are helping others. Pray particularly for Serigey and Dyna who are working with young women at risk. They are in need of financial help. If you are interested in helping them keep afloat during this time, we can put you in touch.

Pray also for Ukrainians who are being trained to be missionaries in Kyiv. Pray that they would be able to use their training among their own people either in Ukraine or in the neighboring countries.

Pray for the refugees that will be pouring into the west, Czech Republic included. Pray for us as Greater Europe Mission and Dignity try to understand how to help with that effort.

Thank you for praying. Your prayers are a huge part of all of this. The prayers we speak to our Father are heard and I believe he is acting already.
To God be all glory and praise.

Thanks to Greg and Deby for helping us pray.