In September of 2018, I was invited to Ukraine and met many incredible, passionate believers there. When I see Ukraine in the news, I don’t think of a country over there somewhere; I think of those people I got to know during those few days.
I sat with them at meals, worshiped with them in the woods, walked in beautiful parks, and celebrated their homeland and their passion for Jesus. Their lives will change drastically in the next few days if Russia invades. They could be at war or captives to a Communist regime once again. It is easy for us to think of this conflict in terms of states and political gamesmanship among world leaders. But it affects people that I know and love.
When you hear about Ukraine these days, please don’t see them simply as a country. These are brothers and sisters with the same hopes, dreams, and aspirations that you and I have.
That’s why Jesus reminded us to love in the singular: “Love one another.” That’s how God loves, not the whole of humanity but each one individual. He says he loves us all because he loves us each.
Love the Ukrainians today, even though you’ve never met them as individual people and families just like you treasure here. And, please, pray for them.
And see those suffering in Kenya the same way, not with guilt or shame that we have it so good, but with the intense love that the Creator has for his people and the suffering they endure in this fallen world.
Thank you Wayne for sharing this. I have friends in Kiev and I know personally that this current situation weights very heavy on their hearts. I feel helpless for them and I can’t imagine how they can even sleep. I think it so important to remember and pray not only for our dear friends but all of our brothers and sisters around the world who suffer some incredibly difficult situations. May our dear Lord return quickly.
Over the years many South African missionaries have served in the Ukraine and been equally well received. In the late 1890’s my maternal forbears were German farmers who settled in N.W. Ukraine, and even they were persecuted for their faith – they escaped and eventually settled in S. Dakota. I have a soft spot for the Ukrainians and will remember to pray for them.
Thank you! And big hello from Ukraine!
Human heart can’t worry all the time so we’re trying to keep living our ‘normal’ lives while keeping an eye on this whole situation. Covid times really thought all of us to do that – to live inspite of circumstances around us. And guess Who brings peace and strengths – yes 🙂 Lord. It’s written that they can kill only our bodies. So we’ll see what’s next. Pray for peace and for Ukraine.
You are so right, Serge, and thank you for making a comment here and sharing how you are navigating these days. May God’s life and grace keep you in his care regardless of what comes and may his life be abundant in your heart.
My wife and I have just done so. Warm greetings from the saints in South Africa!
Pingback: Relationships that Matter | Lifestream | Wayne Jacobsen
It is really true and obvious that the situation in Ukraine is tense, uncertain and worrisome. It takes a great deal of faith by saints to weather the storm as is found in Ukraine at the moment. The early saints exhibited such faith. Am glad that the saints in Ukraine are exhibiting such faith today. It’s a confirmation that the Spirit of the Father is in them and is leading them. Saints all over the world are enjoined to pray for them and also for others in similar situations. Spiritual warfare that faces the children of God is a daily and continuous battle. From Nigeria l pray for strength, grace and wisdom. It will end in praise and glory of the Father.
Pingback: Help for Ukraine | Lifestream | Wayne Jacobsen