By Zach Dodd, WEGO Director
“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”
-2 Chronicles 20:12b
Ukraine was invaded by Russia four years ago today.
The moments and years that followed have been more than dreadful. The number of people killed, wounded, or missing is speculated to be nearing a grim milestone – 2,000,000 souls. Peace from diplomatic interventions has fallen short, and new tragedies fill each news cycle. I have to pause as I write this because the reality of this war is not only devastating, it is overwhelming. I imagine you feel that same helplessness. So, what are we to do when we don’t know what to do? How can followers of Jesus in the USA walk with our brothers and sisters in Ukraine right now, as this war drags on?
King Jehosaphat’s words to his people show us the way. Three separate armies were coming to attack Judah, leaving the country in desperation. Jehosaphat didn’t call them to intensify their military training exercises. He called them to pray. He led them to the battlefield with instruments in their hands to worship on the way. His prayer, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you”, was a battle cry that heaven heard and responded to with a swift victory.
How can we help?
We can pray.
We can worship.
We can turn our eyes to God on behalf of our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.
WEGO has had a relationship and ministry partnership with Sergei, our local missionary, for decades. Let’s join our voices together to pray for Sergei’s family, his ministry, and his beloved country. May our desperate prayers for Ukraine lead to the same conclusion as they did for Judah: “The kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.”
This is what happens when we pray.
Let's Pray Together
Pray For Sergei’s Son
From Sergei:
“I have an urgent prayer request. Two days ago, they took our son, Alexander, into the army. He is already in training camp. The timing is especially difficult because our children have to move right now after three years in the same apartment. The next two weeks will be very difficult for me because I will be moving their stuff. There are too many problems at once. Please pray for our family.”
How You Can Pray:
1) Pray for Alexander’s safety and protection.
2) Pray for Sergei to have extra energy and strength as he moves his children.
3) Pray for divine peace and comfort for his family.
Pray For Sergei’s Ministry
From Sergei:
“What about our ministries – Pray for God’s Glory in all situations, so that His Spirit would touch the hearts.”
How You Can Pray:
1) Pray that soldiers he visits in the hospital and in training camps will respond to the Gospel.
2) Pray that Sergei will be a vessel of God’s love and compassion through Capernaum, a Young Life ministry to young students with special needs. Ask God to use Sergei to bring many children to salvation.
Pray For Sergei’s Country
From Sergei:
“We are in the middle of many heavy waves of cold and snow. And even after this, Ukraine will have many problems for a long time. Many people are suffering. But most, if not all, understand that our soldiers have many more problems and are suffering the most. So, many people support our army by collecting money for pickups, equipment, medical supplies, and other important items. This photo is of my wife, Alla (glasses), making camouflage nets for the army. The needs of the soldiers are one of the most important reasons for praying.”
How You Can Pray:
1) Pray for physical peace in Ukraine. May God give divine wisdom to world leaders to quickly resolve this conflict.
2) Pray for God to use His Church to bring emotional healing to soldiers and Ukrainians affected by the trauma of this war.
3) Pray for unity among local churches and believers, who continue to show immense bravery and resilience during this impossible season.
4) Pray for a mighty move of God in Ukraine as people turn to the Lord to save them.