“The way the church responded spoke volumes not only to me, but it is a testament to the community of how Christians help others in time of need.”
Along with our deaths—our turning to dust—comes hope of new life and resurrection, whether mini-resurrections now or the great resurrection when Jesus returns.
“It’s humbling to be between the people who want to give and the people who are seeing the need, who are trying to get resources into people’s hands,” she says. “But the partners, the people in Ukraine, they’re telling me they’re tired. So many people have left, and for those who remain, there is so much work yet to do.”
But it is only ever by God’s grace that we can come to him: Humble and empty-handed, walking in the way of the tax collector, not the Pharisee.
My dear friends and family, God is good. God can be trusted. Last night, I watched the news. I saw people in distress, people dying, people grieving a significant loss. …
Maxym and Anya Oliferovski bought a small cabin a year ago as a place to retreat and garden. They never thought it would become their shelter in the midst of a war.
“One hundred years ago, we responded to crisis in Ukraine,” says MCC U.S. Executive Director Ann Graber Hershberger. “A century later, we find ourselves walking alongside the people of Ukraine in crisis once again. They are pleading for our prayer and support — and a reminder they have not been forgotten during this time.”
Most pastors and ministry leaders are passionate about their mission. While this is a good thing, in the presence of persistent pressures and a never-ending to-do list, care for oneself often falls to the wayside. You have the same human limitations as everyone else. Make eating well, exercising and connecting with those you love a priority.
Because we worship the Prince of Peace and are called to be Peacemakers, we care deeply about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Because we are called to identify with Christian brothers and sisters in Ukraine, and to love our Ukrainian neighbours there, we are called to pray. And finally, because violence often escalates to draw in more nations and particularly impact the vulnerable and disadvantaged, we believe this is an urgent moment for Christians the world over to pray.
I struggle to hear God’s voice sometimes, do you? Perhaps it’s because I don’t slow down long enough, or I am distracted by other things, or maybe I am hearing it but choose not to acknowledge it.