Pray For Ukraine.

 

Dear Friends, I’m sure that your heart, like mine, is breaking for the people of Ukraine as we watch the news and see war return to Europe. Already more than two million people have fled the country, and we know that war and conflict always affects children and the most vulnerable disproportionately. I’ve also been inspired by churches across the UK and Ireland, who are responding to the conflict with countless acts of love and service to provide practical support to those impacted hundreds of miles away. I know many churches we partner with here have strong, historical links with Eastern Europe and are delivering support both in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries, serving the thousands of refugees who have fled. And I know our prayers for peace and breakthrough here at Compassion are echoed across the UK and Ireland with you and your families. I wanted to share some powerful words from a colleague and friend of mine. Yaroslav works for Compassion International in the USA, in a role that connects Compassion across the world. He comes from Ukraine, and last week he wrote these words below, which were shared with Compassion supporters in USA. I wanted to share them with you today. My hope is that Yaro’s words help guide you in your prayers for all of those caught up in this terrible conflict. Yours in Christ, Justin Dowds Chief Executive Compassion UK Yaroslav's Letter Dear neighbour, My whole world came to a sudden halt the moment I read the news of Russia’s invasion of my homeland. I scrambled for my phone to contact friends and family in Kyiv and southwest Ukraine, praying that they were safe. Tears filled my eyes as I thought of my niece — the child I held in my arms when she was just a baby. A temporary sense of relief washed over me when I received word, one-by-one, that each person I know was safe — for now. Since that night, I’ve spent every waking moment staying in touch with my loved ones and doing all that I can to raise awareness for the needs in Ukraine. It only seemed natural that I would write to you, my Compassion family, and ask for your prayers and support. My name is Yaroslav. I was born in the Ukraine and moved to the United States when I was 9 years old. God’s plan for me included working at Compassion International, advocating for the most vulnerable children in the world. This past week, the most vulnerable on my heart have been those in my very own country. Every time there is conflict in the world, no one suffers more than babies, children and the poor. Just a couple of weeks ago, Ukrainian children were going to school, playing in parks and attending birthday parties. Now, these same children are sheltered in cellars and bomb shelters, huddled next to strangers on piles of blankets just trying to survive. In between air raid sirens, their mothers risk their lives to venture above ground to find the next meal for their children. Many of their fathers are doing everything they can to defend them, at times getting on their knees in front of tanks. It is impossible to express the amount of fear and trauma that these kids are experiencing every moment of the day. My heart is broken, but I don’t have time to mourn. I am choosing instead to do everything I possibly can to save my people, especially the children in Ukraine. I know that you have a heart for children, and that’s why I’m writing you. Every evening, children settle in with their caretakers in cold metro stations, cellars and bomb shelters. The nights are long and frightening. Would you consider setting a reminder at 3pm each day (which is 5pm in Kyiv), to pray for these children at the start of their long nights? Can you imagine the power of over a million Compassion supporters — child advocates — praying at the same time around the world for the most vulnerable in the Ukraine? Pray for children who are in hospitals receiving critical care. Pray that children would be spared from the strikes in civilian areas. Pray that children would have access to food and water. Pray that the peace of God that transcends all understanding would guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7, NIV). And while you pray, please remember the churches in Ukraine. Pray that they would be used mightily during this time to protect, serve and minister to those in need. Pray that the Church would be a light in the midst of so much darkness. There is no question — Ukraine will stand up for itself. Ukrainians — my family members — are resolved and resilient. My prayer is that resolution would come quickly. Our children are the ones suffering without a choice. They are the ones who will carry the impact of this conflict for generations to come. I trust that this situation is ultimately in God’s hands. I know that trusting him is the right thing to do. I know that he has a better plan than I do. I am strengthened by and grateful for your prayers. Bozhe Blahoslovy (God bless), Yaroslav Hetman Compassion International