Why Does Ukraine Matter?
Russia invaded Ukraine. Why does Ukraine matter? Great question. If you watch or read online, two realities exist.
First, you can see live shots of Russia’s invasion. They presently are killing people in the streets, cities, and hills of Ukraine. According to @nytimes today, Russia has attacked over the entire nation overnight. Those in Kiev are trying to flee as quickly as they can. Anywhere and in every place this takes place, those in the image of God get hurt and die. It is wrong. Consider a portion of what a member of our church so eloquently wrote as she returned from a trip through this region, “My impressions of Ukraine were that it was a country filled with proud people just trying to live their lives. It lacked the affluence of Dubai and the bustling tourism of Prague. Yet, the fields I saw from the plane spoke to the hardworking people of Ukraine, using the resources they had and protecting the harmony that was there. Now they are under siege from those who have always been a threat to them” (Becky Barrett).
Second, since the fall of the Soviet Union, those ministering the Gospel have enjoyed major inroads with reaching people for Christ. My friend Keri Kondracki serves with ministry teams there in Kiev, Gorbovichi and Muzychi. She is one of many. Ron and Nancy Minton, my Greek professor in seminary, helped start a seminary in Kharkiv. He and Nancy have lived there full-time and have trained thousands since 2006. This just scratches the surface of those I know who are presently doing ministry in this nation. The Gospel thrives in this country. Missionaries, pastors, dads, moms, children, grandparents, people just like you and me who love Jesus are under attack. For those who are followers of Christ, these people are our brothers and sisters-in-Christ.
@nytimes map of first night attacks on Ukraine by Russia
Getty Images released photograph of people trying to get out of Kiev
Active bombing in Mariupol
A message from Sergey, a pastor and the host of a Bible program on FEBC-Ukraine
Live Worship out of Kiev
What Do We Do?
I primarily do not make these posts about politics. Therefore, I will leave the political commentary to others who know more and discuss those things regularly. However, I would generally acknowledge that this region is complicated. The failure of American and European diplomacy to keep Putin out of Ukraine is emblematic of much greater problems in the American political system. Taiwan and other countries also face significant pressure. This may not be the only place where we see such human carnage in the near future. This is akin to the atrocities in Afghanistan just months ago where the American government did have a direct responsibility.
What do we do then? As brothers and sisters-in-Christ, we initially pray. We beg God for His mercy on these people and this country. Further, we pray for those who need courage, are overwhelmed by anxiety, and face tough conditions.
We can give. For those ministries that you know of or can become aware of, provide financing for them if possible.
Our Concern Must Be More Than Economic
Many have addressed their concern for what is happening in the Ukraine over the price of oil, fuel, and other economic inflation concerns. Although as someone who must also face the increasing prices at the pump and grocery store, let me encourage you to think more than merely economic. Does this hurt? Yes. Stink? Absolutely. My family and yours all pay for what is happening in Europe partially on top of already a disastrous two years domestically. This complicates an already miserable domestic inflation stemming from purely American political disaster in Washington. That said, we cannot let that be our driving frustration with this Russian invasion.
Does it matter? Yes. Does it matter much less than the real human carnage in Ukraine as a result of a Russian siege on an independent nation’s sovereignty? Almost incalculably less. Yet, since the bombs are not outside our back doors and balconies, it would be easy to let the economic pressures make us more frustrated with Putin than the image of God ramifications. In this way, we all must exercise caution. At the same time, we need to do what we can personally do in our own sphere of influence to impact what we can.
God Help Ukraine – her people generally and our family specifically.
May God provide protection for Ukraine – her people generally and for our brothers and sisters-in-Christ specifically. May God providentially frustrate Putin’s efforts. We ask that God would defeat injustice. Further, we pray that God would protect those who love Him there.
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together
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