How can you help Ukraine?

We may feel powerless. What can you do? I was struck by these words:

“For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of the affliction we experienced… For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death.

Those words surely could have been written by someone in Ukraine today. But they were actually written by the apostle Paul to a church in Corinth, just a bit further south of Ukraine in Greece. He continues to say why God allowed it to happen:

But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.

Paul says God allowed this tragedy to make him rely on God and he goes on to tell people how they can help:

You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.

It is very striking that Paul says you must help by praying! What should we pray?

I was talking to a Christian friend in Russia, he was saying how much Psalm 46 has helped him. A Psalm where God reassures his people that He is their refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. God simply has to utter his voice and the earth melts. He makes wars cease.

What can you pray?

• that the people of Ukraine will know God as their refuge and strength, and that even among the turmoil they will be still and know that He is God.

• that God will utter His voice and make the war cease.

• for the most vulnerable to be able to escape safely and resume whatever medical treatment they need.

• for families separated to know God with them.

• for those displaced to find shelter and safety

• that you might be willing a ready to take a refugee into your home.

• for people to know Jesus the prince of peace and to have confidence that He will one day put everything right. (“I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.” Revelation 22:12))

• for Putin to repent of His wickedness or to be removed from power.

• for Russians coping with all the sanctions, and for courage for them to speak out against the war.

• for wisdom for world leaders in dealing with this crisis.

• for us all to rely on God who raises the dead.

There is lots more information including how to give to support Ukranian refugees by clicking on this link.

You can give via the Bishop’s Appeal here.

there’s also an appeal from team hope here.

There’s also people collecting clothing to send from Cavan, you can find out more in the Anglo Celt here

And there is also a collection for food in Ballyhaise this Thursday from 6pm to 8pm at Ballyhaise Community Centre, please bring: