The scenes are sometimes more than I can take. I know to grab a tissue before turning on the news updates coming out of Ukraine.
As I watch and listen to the reporters on the ground in Kyiv, Lviv and other parts of the now war-torn country, I allow myself to attempt to feel the Ukrainians’ pain — their fear and their heartbreak.
My eye catches a glimpse of the family photos hanging on the wall to the left of my TV screen, and I try to imagine my response if tomorrow morning sirens blared and news reports warned of a coming invasion.
What would I pack in the one rolling suitcase I could carry with me?
What items could I squeeze in the backpack I’m sure I would take as well?
How do I choose between basic items of necessity and those special items of comfort and sweet memories placed throughout our home?
Logistically, where would we go and how would we ensure we could regroup with our families? Who would help us if we did make it out?
Will we have food, a place to sleep, enough supplies? What if we need medical attention? Will we have enough gas for our car? What if we must travel by foot?
Where would we go for factual and trustworthy information about next steps? What if we lose access to news reports or the ability to use our phones?
Resilient in their fight
The new image on the TV snaps my attention back to the screen as I see the determination and resolve illuminating out of the Ukrainian people. They are resilient in their fight amid the frightful and growing catastrophe around them.
They inspire me and give me hope. The same is true with the efforts of Baptists across the region.
The sacrifices, love and outreach our brothers and sisters on the frontlines are demonstrating give me courage and remind me to keep them and the entire situation continually in my prayers.
Our team at The Alabama Baptist has been working hard to keep up with all that’s happening in and around Ukraine and provide updates for how you can pray (read here and here.) and help (read here and here).
We are talking with people every day who have personal connections to Ukraine. They count their Ukrainian friends as family and are finding creative ways to help fund the efforts to aid those fleeing the country.
One pastor shared the response he received from his friend currently hunkered down in western Ukraine.
“You have a very big heart for Ukraine, for our family. … I want to thank you … for your prayers, donations, words of encouragement and care. This is the second difficult event in the life of our family, after the death of my beloved wife.
“What is happening now is like a nightmare. I want to wake up and continue my usual life, but we will never be the same again. Despite all the pain and sorrow, we … see the extraordinary miracles of God,” he continued.
“Thank you for being there in all these circumstances. The Lord has encouraged our family through you.”
United effort
He shared how everyone in Ukraine is united and working together, pitching in however they can to help.
It’s also heartwarming to read about our Southern Baptist missionaries working alongside local Baptists and how the students, faculty, staff and alumni of Ukrainian Baptist Theological Seminary are making a difference (read story here).
And all of it reminds me of moments in years past in other countries and even our own where citizens jumped into action to help people displaced from their homes for various reasons.
In some cases, church pews and other furniture were moved out to make room for cots and makeshift housing — similar to what’s happening in Ukraine, Poland and other areas.
In other places, volunteers worked around the clock collecting, sorting and distributing items for those in need — like what’s taking place near where the Ukrainian people are finding safety.
And those not near the crisis or unable to assist physically commit to consistent prayers and financial gifts — exactly how we are banding together now.
Thank you, Alabama Baptists, for the initial $100,000 donation to the Ukraine relief efforts and for the additional funds continuing to be received (read story here).
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Gal. 6:9).
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