Anyone reading this will no doubt be aware of the war currently taking place in Ukraine, and will have seen many harrowing news reports, alongside videos and posts on social media, which give us a glimpse of how difficult and painful life is for those still in Ukraine, and those who are displaced by the conflict. One of our Redeemer Family who is directly affected by the conflict is Maria, and below she has shared some reflections on all that has happened in the previous few weeks, as well as some advice on how we can pray, and other ways we can support those affected by the war.

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1

24th of February 2022

It seemed the whole world had stopped for a moment, as Putin's army crossed the borders of Ukraine.

It had been over 8 years since the events now known as the Maidan Uprising, which were shortly followed by the annexing of Crimea; and only 80 years since the Second World War, an event that we hoped to not experience again in Europe in our lifetimes.

As shocking and unexpected as this attack may appear, it is the opinion of many that it is a carefully and long-planned military action with the purpose of destroying and subduing the Ukrainian nation to its much more powerful opponent.

Being of Ukrainian origin myself and having a family living in a little town called Przemysl near the Polish-Ukrainian border, that has now become the main place of crossing for thousands of refugees, I watched unfolding events with great concern.

Stories from Przemyśl

As of now, about 2 million Ukrainians have fled their homes, cities and jobs for safety to Poland and other Eastern European countries. A larger number of people have been internally displaced. In my parents' town, several thousand people cross the border every day.

Despite the crisis, there has been absolutely exceptional response from the people of Poland and a great collective effort undertaken to support those fleeing the war.

Help comes from NGOs, volunteers, and individuals that are offering their time and resources on an unprecedented scale. Hundreds of thousands of citizens are opening their own homes to refugees. People are organising free transport, food, and accommodation. New schools being created and activities for children, as well as services like free medical treatment and psychological help are being provided and often privately funded.

My sister in law has been volunteering on a border for several days now and this is how she describes her experience:

“Refugees are coming. Scared, exhausted, dirty. These are mothers with children; infants and toddlers, the women themselves, some elderly people. You know, you look at them, you feel compassion for every single one. You feel for a missed childhood, for youth and quiet old age. But they come, stay strong. I don't know how??? We have a mother with 2 children (5 and 7 years old), a young woman born in 1996, tiny. Her husband stayed to fight. She did not sleep for 4 days. The road from Lviv by train (normally 2 hours) took 24 hours. Her hands were swollen and bruised because she was holding the child in her arms and standing all this time. As they travelled from Zaporizhia to Lviv there was a bombing - lights went out, the train was stopping in the dark. There was no water. Being so tiny she could not take her suitcase upon arrival, she lost everything she had somewhere at the station in a crowd.

Another woman - a mother of two. They are 2 years old, twin girls. She arrived with her father-in-law. He is 75 years old and has a heart disease. He left with her to help with the children. His wife stayed in Kyiv. He walks around and cries that they have been together for 50 years and were supposed to die together .... It will likely not be so !!!”

Supporting International Refugees

We should stand together against evil, regardless of our background, ethnicity or race, united, as children of God.

“Since the first day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in Poland, tens of thousands of people have been seeking shelter every day. Forced to abandon their homes, they face many difficulties, caused by long roads, crowded trains, multi-hour queues at border crossings. Among them are not only citizens of Ukraine, but also representatives of other countries, in particular African and Asian countries.

As a result of observations of our volunteers and media reports, people of other nationalities stumble upon borders with the worse treatment and discrimination. At the same time, these are people who have lived, and worked in Ukraine, and now, like Ukrainians, they are fleeing the war and looking for security.

We appeal to show our support in solidarity with all those who need it. We strongly condemn all forms of discrimination, as well as aggression and violence against refugees.”
Union of Ukrainians in Poland

The Needs Of Ukraine

The most urgent need is not with people who escaped, as they are already safe and getting help - but within Ukraine itself; with those who remained in the country - fighting, getting bombed, getting injured, but refusing to give up their freedom as the whole world is watching. Those who are trying to escape, but being stranded in besieged cities, with no way out; Kyiv, Mariupol, Sumy, Kharkiw…where people are left without medical assistance, food or water for many days, under severe attack and continuous bombing. There are some taking risks to rescue others and travel with humanitarian convoys to reach those cities with medication, food, other necessities, and to help people to flee the war.

One of those people is Magda from Canaan Church in Bytom, who is travelling to Ukraine as part of rescue operations and to evangelise:

“We are the Church from Poland that is committed to helping Ukraine. We travel to the borders and transport families from Ukraine, we welcome them to our homes, we sort out all the formalities. However, the greatest need for help is in Ukraine. We are connecting to a humanitarian convoy travelling to Ukraine. Our goal will be to help runaway families to get to the Polish border. We need cars, 9-seater buses. We are asking for help in buying such a car and covering the costs associated with this trip (largely fuel, food, etc.). We also ask you to pray for us because every entry into Ukraine is very risky…”
Canaan Christian Centre, Bytom.

Prayer

When we witness great evil and suffering, when we watch great courage and heroism of humanity, let us not underestimate the power of prayer.

The victory belongs to the Lord. Our eyes are fixed on Him.

We stand on the promise that He is the One who fights for His people… We trust Him at all times, when we are on the top of the mountain, and we walk through the valley of the shadow of death - we fear no evil. We hope for His salvation and eternal life in His presence.

This is a fight for freedom, human dignity and solidarity in the face of ultimate suffering and death. Like an encounter between David and Goliath, or many battles of Israel with its enemies recorded in the Bible, it is a manifestation of a much greater battle that is happening in the Spirit. We must not cease in our prayer.

We pray for:

Wisdom and unity for the World leaders, for successful negotiations that would lead to a shortening of the length of the invasion, and peaceful solutions.
Against escalation of the conflict, such as using chemical or atomic weapons, bombing of the cities and civilians.
For the protection of lives, especially in the besieged cities, Mariupol, Kyiv, Kharkiv and for meaningful ceasefire in humanitarian corridors.
Protection of humanitarian convoys and medical support, so that help can reach those with the greatest need in attacked cities and for the protection of those travelling between war zones.
For the people who stayed in Ukraine - for peace, boldness, protection and that they might save lives.
Against fear and anxiety, for those grieving loss, suffering mental trauma or physically injured.
For families who are separated by this war, for the safety of women, children, the elderly and all in a vulnerable position.
For the protection of international students, African and Asian refugees, for God's love, provision, security and care for all refugees.
For an opening and changing of people hearts, unity between people, that they might stand up against racism and prejudice.
For Russian soldiers, and Russian society that they will take a stand against the regime.
Against misinformation and division, pray for exposure of the lies of the enemy, and for the truth to be heard.
For revival and spiritual awakening in Ukraine (there are many evangelical churches in this region), Russia and Eastern Europe.
For God's church to stand strong, the Gospel to be preached in both countries, and many salvations on both sides.
We pray for God's Kingdom to come and His will to be done, and that Jesus will be glorified in every situation.

Verses to Declare

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places
Ephesians 6:12

No king is saved by the size of his army;no warrior escapes by his great strength.A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save.But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.
Psalm 33:16-19

Only live according to the gospel of Christ, that whether I come and see you,or not I have heard of you, that you stand in one spirit, fighting wholeheartedly for the faith of the gospel, And in nothing fear not your opponents; this is the proof of death to them, and your salvation. And this is from God!
Philippians 1:27-28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

Ways You Can Help & Links to Additional Information

It has been uplifting seeing the UK and many other countries uniting to support Ukraine during this time.

It is possible to help those in need through multiple organisations, volunteering and various initiatives supported by the UK government, including the upcoming project of housing a refugee in your home.

As per their advice, one of the best ways to help is by donating money through registered and legitimate charities and aid organisations, rather than donating goods. “Unsolicited donations of goods, although well-meant, can obstruct supply chains and delay more urgent life-saving assistance from getting through.” They also have a charity checker on their website.

Information from the UK Government

List of charities:

Christian Aid

Disasters Emergency Committee

Just Giving - Ukraine

GoFundMe - Ukraine

Organisation helping Asian refugees:

Aid for Asian Refugees from Ukraine

and African refugees:

Support for African Refugees in Ukraine

If you would like more info about collection for the bus mentioned above, you can contact Magda from Kannan Church, Bytom by emailing MagdaC@wp.eu

You can also give to Magda’s efforts using the following link - https://gofund.me/0f8ae1ad