During a recent elders meeting of the Kyiv Church of Christ, the group reflected on two years of war. Each shared an unexpected blessing as well as a significant emotional challenge. Blessings often centered on intimate comfort gained from God’s Word. Scriptures had blossomed into richer meaning with uncanny applicability. Then the tone grew solemn as they recounted challenges springing from deaths, desertion, defeats, destruction of homes, and deferred hope. Nonetheless, they concluded their reflection with admiration for a resilient church that proved itself stronger than previously imagined. Suffering had indeed produced “perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:4).
On 24 February 2022, over 2500 of our brothers and sisters in Ukraine saw their lives shattered. Our fellowship shone brightly as we responded promptly and generously with heartfelt prayers and vital financial support. The newly created Ukraine Relief Fund was used for two main purposes: supporting the disciples still in Ukraine by helping keep the staff employed, and supporting the disciples displaced outside of Ukraine.
Yet the war rages on, and our brothers and sisters continue to experience its devastating effects. It has left our sister churches in Ukraine reeling with significant humanitarian needs – food, clean water, clothing, housing, and medical care. Plus, they face spiritual vulnerability due to staffing cutbacks.
There are multiple large scale military conflicts now raging in our fallen world. Let’s please double our prayer efforts for all. But the one place where brothers and sisters of our fellowship are most affected is Ukraine. They need our support. They need to know that they have brothers and sisters who have not moved on to other news cycles.
Across our fellowship, we would like to ask for a day of both prayers and financial support on June 2 to help the disciples affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine. Anything helps, and all donations to the Ukraine Relief Fund will go directly to meeting these pressing needs.
On behalf of our dear friends in Ukraine, thank you for keeping them close to your heart. Let’s all send a resounding message on June 2 that we are “present with you in spirit” (Col 2:5).
