Will Russia attack Ukraine or not? That question is at the top of the news on a daily basis. The question is in the news because an attack by Russia on an independent country like Ukraine has wide ranging economic and safety impact across the world. Will it lead to World War III? But aside from the impact that is discussed across the world, the question is also personal for me. We have many friends in Ukraine. We travel to Ukraine multiple times a year and we do work in Ukraine with our non-profit. This isn’t just two countries fighting for power and control. This is about a bully trying to take away something that is near and dear to my friends in Ukraine – freedom! Freedom to choose their own governmental leaders. Freedom to express their faith and share it with others! Freedom to raise their families away from government control and oppression.
We are planning to travel to Ukraine in March. We are trying to decide what to do. Do we go even though our government is warning all US Citizens to leave Ukraine? Do we go to encourage and support or friends who do not have a choice about travel or leaving their country? Do we leave the relative safety and peace in our home to put ourselves in the middle of a potential conflict? We have far more questions than answers. We know that there are risks anytime you travel internationally. We know that we are in God’s hands and must trust Him for protection and safety. But we also have family and responsibilities here that we must also consider. It is a hard decision to make.
We have received many questions from people about the Ukraine crisis because they know Ukraine in special to us. We have talked to our friends in Ukraine who are nervous and have no options other than to trust in God’s protection and pray for peace for their country. Some feel this is all political and others are preparing for evacuation if an attack comes. Churches continue to meet, but they are trying to focus on the present while preparing for what the future could be. On February 20th, churches across Ukraine will be having a National Day of PRAYER for peace. Let’s join with the people of Ukraine and pray for peace.
We do not know what the future is. We do not know whether Russia will attack or not. But we ask that you do three things:
First, PRAY for Ukraine and for peace.
Second, PRAY for the churches of Ukraine that they will offer hope to their communities in a time when many are fearing the worst and struggle to see hope for the future.
Third, PRAY for us as we seek wisdom on whether to travel to Ukraine in March or not and that we will sense God’s direction and follow His leading for us.
Rick and Beth
3 replies on “PRAY for Peace”
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