Today, is the anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and there is uncertainty as to how this might be marked by Russia. After a year the people of Ukraine continue to show great bravery in the face of the devastation and loss. Our hope is peace for the Ukraine and Russian people's sake
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 NIV
As a movement our network of churches have raised monies in excess of £300k supporting the works of other charities who were well equipped to deliver support on the ground. We are hosting evacuees at our conference accommodation in Malvern and supported families hosting from local churches. You can read about this by following the web links below. As a local church we responded by appointing an evacuees coordinator who has worked with other volunteers in our church, as well as our local statutory authorities and charities to organise our help of local evacuees. We have prayed, raised monies in support of Elim's Ukraine projects and for a church In Poland who were also supporting evacuated families. We have accommodated some individuals and families in our conference accommodation, supported UK Turntables team mission to Ukraine, offered hospitality hosting a Saturday cafe enabling Ukrainian Refugees to gather, organised a special art therapy event, and recently funded a local English language course. Whilst this is all good, and we are helpfully reminded of the potential impact we can have when we work together as Christ's community, we also recognise that the war goes on and people are suffering as a consequence in Ukraine and beyond. Today, why not take some additional time to pray for peace - perhaps stop for a few minutes to pray morning, midday and evening. I have posted St Francis' Prayer reminding us that peace starts with us and have also attached some prayers from charities working in these regions. Lent Prayer
St Francis' Prayer
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.