As Ukraine continues to defend itself against the Russian invasion of its borders, reports of prayer gatherings inside the nation and calls for the global Church to pray continue. The Baptist World Alliance will hold a worldwide unified hour of prayer today (Feb. 28) at 9 a.m. Central time for Ukraine and the crisis in Eastern Europe.
“Pray for peace, and let us be one family, united together and sharing the gospel,” said BWA President Elijah Brown. “[Pray] that somehow in the midst of this challenge, God would be glorified. God can be glorified as we pursue peace and as we serve together.”
Brown said Baptist regions across Ukraine have been affected by missile attacks. In one assault, a series of missiles landed less than 100 yards from a Baptist orphanage housing 60 children.
‘Imagine the fear’
“Can you imagine the fear of these children as the missiles landed and shook the earth so close to their home? … Some of the children went to the leaders of that orphanage and they asked … if they could print out signs that would read, Be careful. There are orphans here.’ They took these simple signs and they taped them across all of the windows and across all of the doors so that if any soldiers should come near, they would say this is not a fancy house but to be careful, there are orphans here already,” Brown related. “Would you pray for these orphans? Would you pray for all of those who are in harm’s way? Would you pray that peace would be established in Ukraine and across the region?”
BWA Women Executive Director Merritt Johnston shared an update from a Baptist sister in Ukraine who said she had taken shelter in the cellar of her church and could feel the tremors of missile explosions in the building. The woman and several others were gathered to pray Sunday when Johnston called to check on her.
“I could hear the sound of them worshipping. The song, the classic hymn, ‘Count Your Blessings.’ Friends, this is faith demonstrated in the most challenging of circumstances,” Johnston said. “Now is the time to pray. Now is the time to stand together with our sisters and brothers in need in Ukraine. Would you join me in praying? Would you pray today in your homes and your churches and your communities?”
Prayer resources
Click here to express solidarity with the BWA call to prayer for Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Download prayer materials by clicking here and here.
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