There is much information about the war in Ukraine, how Methodists are being impacted in Ukraine, Russia, and Europe more broadly, and how we can make a difference in these difficult times. This article, "How United Methodists are Present in Ukraine" is a good overview of Methodism in Ukraine, Russia, and some other neighboring countries. There is also a link in this article inviting support for UMCOR's (United Methodist Committee on Relief International Disaster Recovery Fund.
This article entitled, "United Methodists Respond to Invasion of Ukraine" speaks more directly to the realities being faced by Methodists in Ukraine and Russia. This article has a link that invites contributions to UMCOR and also to a fund that supports Methodist pastors in Ukraine and Moldova.
Consider this reality. Bishop Eduard Khegay is the Bishop of the Methodist Church in Russia and the Methodist Church and Ukraine. He is based in Moscow. Can you imagine a much larger challenge than trying to serve Christians from two warring countries? There will be more to share in the weeks to come. I close with this prayer for peace from Bishop Khegay:
Lord we know that it shouldn't be.
People should not bear death.
People should not be killed.
People should not lose their loved ones on the battlefields.
Cities and villages should not be turned into a war zone,
children should not be victims,
and war should not be a means to achieve peace.
Lord, we need a new heaven and a new earth.
We remember the world that You gave us,
and mourn that we have lost it.
We all want to be safe.
But our security is not in force.
Spare us the ravages of war.
Teach us the ways of peace.
Let's stay strong in our faith and strong in our connections with each other. The world needs a church filled with Christ's love that is willing to take risks to challenge evil, to work for peace, to offer aid to innocent people impacted by war, and to demonstrate what trusting God looks like even in the midst of great trouble. We seek to be that kind of church.
Yours in Christ,
Matt
