PASTOR BOB’S MESSAGE
As we sit by our television and watch the attack on the Ukraine by Russian forces, it is something we haven’t seen in many years. We, as a church, are called to pray for our Ukrainian brothers and sisters as they endure this brutal attack. They are going through some very difficult times and many lives are being lost. Will you join me in praying for this region of the world?
Here is the latest report from the Assemblies of God:
“As we have watched the heart-wrenching situation in Ukraine and Eastern Europe unfold over the last week, we have been overwhelmed by the images streaming at us. For those living these events, the hours creep by as their lives change forever.
So much has happened in five days in Eastern Europe. Five days ago, people were living normal lives in cities and villages throughout the region. Now many have fled from their homeland carrying essentials and little else. Fleeing beyond their borders, though not far geographically, they are worlds away from the lives they lived just last week.
“Our hearts are stirred to pray for the people of Ukraine.” U.S. Assemblies of God General Superintendent Doug Clay says, “As in Isaiah 61:3, may God provide those suffering in this tragedy beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, and praise for heaviness. I’m grateful that our AG family always responds with generosity to make a quick and lasting impact for those in global crises.”
In Ukraine, partner churches are housing and feeding hundreds in their buildings and basements. A Bible school with historic links to AG World Missions (AGWM) is feeding hundreds of people each day as supplies last. Hundreds are sleeping in the building. “The needs are tremendous. A steady stream of refugees continues to pour into the countries around Ukraine — the UN Refugee Agency estimates around 368,000 have by this time arrived in Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and Czechoslovakia.
This is the first wave of a coming refugee crisis. Reports say the lines of cars at some borders have been 6 miles long. The UN Refugee Agency estimates that the numbers could swell to 4 million refugees.
AGWM Executive Director Greg Mundis says, “Among the millions suffering in Ukraine are thousands of our spiritual brothers and sisters! Our worldwide missionary fellowship affords us both the opportunity and responsibility to pray and give — to do all we can to help them. Our missionary family and national churches provide the ‘long reach’ that connects caring hearts in the US with the desperately needy people of Ukraine.”
In Romania, the first refugees arrived over the weekend at a Pentecostal church in Cluj. There are hundreds of Romanian churches ready to help the thousands of displaced Ukrainians who will continue to arrive in Romania. Right now, emotions are high, and people are volunteering to help. But we must work closely with these churches to prepare them to minister over the long haul.”
Praying together for peace
