A Statement Regarding The Crises In The Ukraine
A statement regarding the crisis in the Ukraine.
Someone jokingly said to me this week that Vladimir Putin has done what no one has been able to do for the past two years: “In a single masterstroke he has made COVID disappear from every single news channel on the planet.” While we may smile at that sentiment, our hearts break by the unfolding events in the Ukraine.
While reports are still emerging, it appears that thousands of people have been killed on both sides of the conflict. Today’s news indicates that over a million people have fled Ukraine. Families are being torn apart. The economy is crashing. Lives are needlessly lost.
We share the sentiment of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, when the Moabites and Ammonites and Meunites came to wage war against Judah. 2 Chron. 20:3 instructs us that in his concern, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord. He turned to God for wisdom, courage, comfort and strength. In his following prayer, he said, “power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you.” He ends in v12 with the humble statement: “For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”
As we watch and pray through the news of the day, may our sense of uncertainty and fear and helplessness for a nation create “resolve” within us to inquire of God. While we may not know what to do, may our eyes always be on the One we call Prince of Peace, God of all comfort, our very present help in time of need.
Please be praying in our churches … especially for our fellow believers and pastors in this region, that they might discover that ‘very present help” in this crisis. Let us be profoundly intentional in responding to this need with resolute prayer and extravagant generosity. The Alliance is uniquely postured to care for the refugee crisis emerging in Poland and much of our initial financial response is going in that direction. As you pray, remember that we have people of Ukrainian heritage in our congregations and in our communities for whom this conflict is intensely personal.
Thanks for caring about the things that our Father cares about. That will always be the defining distinguishing mark of the church that Jesus gave His life to build.
Praying for you as you lead our churches.
Ian
District Superintendent
The C&MA in Canada is committed to providing disaster relief in situations caused by both natural and man-made disasters such as earthquakes, floods, drought, and war. The Global Emergency Response Fund is designated for disaster relief for the various stages of immediate relief, rehabilitation, recovery, and reconstruction.