The tragic turn of events by the decision of Russian President Vladimir Putin has already brought incomprehensible pain and destruction. This inexcusable aggression grieves our hearts.
Ukraine is not a distant unknown country to Larry and me. From first-hand experience, we view Ukraine as one of the strongest countries for CRU® ministry, with over 120 Ukrainian staff.
During the years of leading the Eastern Europe ministries of CRU®, Ukraine was, indeed, “one of our countries”, and over the course of time, from our headquarters in Budapest, we repeatedly visited that amazing nation. As a result, we know many national staff personally and are receiving communication which keeps us up to date on their dire circumstances. All of them stand courageous in their faith. Some of them are leaving; some are staying. And, others leave while family stays.
My friend and colleague Svetlana writes:
Emotional toll is huge. One day there will be book written on everything we are going through and what God is doing. Right now is just gratitude for one more day, for 3 more rescued families, for opportunities to help. I don't have illusions. I am not sure if it is not the start of something much bigger than Ukraine ( all signs are there) I have a whole spectrum of emotions, yet there are two things that keep me running: Prayers of multitudes and His grace in the times of trouble.
We are going through a lot, and we need your constant prayers for our emotional health. Pray God would continue working in our hearts, we are like an open nerve. Please, pray for God's mercy and grace for us. Thank you all.
My friend and colleague Audra writes:
Defending Ukraine with Prayer
Desperate Prayer Needed
From a human perspective, Ukraine is going to be annihilated. The invaders have no concern for human life, they will continue to target civilians even when they occupy a place.
PLEASE join us in prayer and ask God for a miracle that the evil and the enemy would be destroyed and would flee.
Pray for the guys fighting, Roma, Valentine, Max, Ivan, Matthew, Dima, Zhenya.
Pray for our ministry staff guys who have not been able to leave Ukraine; right now they are organizing themselves to help with humanitarian needs.
Pray for children to be protected spiritually, emotionally, physically.
Pray for each of our staff families to know and do what God wants of them.
Please pray that weapons and air support would be provided to Ukraine.
Pray for the people in the cities Kharkov, Irpen, Mariupol cities which are facing the worse right now.
Pray for our staff lady, Oksana. We waited three days to hear that she is alive and well. Praise God that she is! BUT we need to pray for her extraction. She is a true warrior for the Lord.
Please pray that God would keep our staff emotionally, spiritually, and physically strong through this. The tolls of trauma are seen already.
Please pray for the displaced families, the wives, moms, and children without their husbands.
Pray for a miracle that this would end!
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So, dear reader, please note that both Svetlana and Audra gave their permission for this content to be shared with you. The ongoing reality in this horrific war—in the face of such unprecedented evil—no place is safe. May God have mercy.
Living With Eternal Intentionality®
Please join us in urgent, fervent prayer before The Throne, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (reference Hebrews 4:16)
‼️ At any moment, you can join people gathered from around the world and pray for Ukraine. ANYTIME. Let me explain: Using this link Ukraine 24-hour Prayer—click. 1. Next, just hover on the link located on the spreadsheet underneath where the yellow date is shown. 2. Then, click when you see http://staff web.zoom.us/ 3. Click and JOIN
Or
To sign up for a thirty-minute slot in the 24-hour Prayer Room Link: If you or friends or church members want to sign up for prayer, we offer this same strategic, ongoing Ukraine 24-hour Prayer, Link. https://tinyurl.com/yh5854at
And, if you feel led, please share with us in the Comments how God uses this prayer opportunity to enlarge the borders of your own heart to fight for His Kingdom in Ukraine.
“Throughout Ukraine’s history, the sunflower has been used as a symbol of peace.” Perhaps you want to purchase a bouquet to serve as a reminder to pray.
