The third anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion will be marked on 24 February. Ukraine has lost 43,000 soldiers killed in action and 370,000 more have been wounded. Almost half of those who have been wounded have returned to service. Russia has reported 198,000 deaths and more than 550,000 wounded. Since last September more than 5 Russian soldiers have died for each Ukrainian soldier lost in battle.
On February 24, Ukraine will hold a National Day of Prayer. It will be a time to give thanks to God for saving the nation from Russian occupation. Prayers will also be offered that the Lord will protect Ukrainian soldiers in the battle, that military and civilian prisoners will be freed, and that there will be a speedy and just peace.
We recently received news from Christian friends whose home is in eastern Ukraine but who have been in Britain since the war began. They know Christians who are constantly travelling into dangerous areas to care for the people and for soldiers through giving them Bibles and praying with them. There are countless people in need, grieving, relocated and feeling hopeless. The people and the soldiers are utterly exhausted after three years of war and need God to give them strength and hope.
Church buildings are constantly targeted by shelling and missiles. The roof of one church they know was destroyed in a missile strike. The pastor and his family have remained in the town to minister to needy people who are under constant attacks. Through gifts from Christians in Britain the church has been able to rent a new building in which to meet to worship God. Many new people have started coming to the church, seeking God.
Those in need include officials, police and the army where many are suffering from PTSD. A residential rehabilitation and recuperation centre has recently opened to care for soldiers and share the good news of Jesus with those suffering from trauma. Many orphanages have moved to the west of the country, away from the war zone. At Christmas 1200 presents were distributed with love from Jesus to children in the orphanages, in the war zone and in a TB hospital. These children usually get nothing.
Reading our friends’ newsletter made us very thankful for the peace and security we enjoy and for God’s daily provision for all our needs. It also moved us to pray for the people of Ukraine, and other places where war and conflict rage, and in the words of Charles Wesley to pray, “O, that the world might taste and see the riches of his grace, the arms of love that compass me would all mankind embrace.”