The turmoil and tragedy of the Ukrainian conflict may only dominate the headline news occasionally or when recent events put it back in the spotlight of readers and viewers. However, the needs in that troubled land are critical and life-threatening. We stand with our fellow believers in Ukraine in their deep desire to bring the hope of the Gospel to despairing people.
Igor Bandura has become a familiar name to many of SGA’s supporters. Over the past three years, he has contributed to our Zoom meetings, providing us with invaluable information, heart warming contributions, inspiring zeal, passionate service, and an optimistic outlook. As Senior Vice President of the Baptist Union of Ukraine, he fulfils an important role in this period of profound instability in the country. Pray for his wife Ana and their children and families.
While Igor has a hectic schedule, we are very thankful that he has taken the time to send us the following updates and prayer requests for SGA’s partners. On many occasions, he has expressed his grateful thanks on behalf of his team and believers across Ukraine for the faithful prayer and practical support from believers across the UK and Ireland. I trust that the following information will stir our hearts to pray earnestly for Ukraine over this weekend – the 3rd anniversary of this horrendous war.
Prayer requests for SGA UK - by Igor Bandura
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies”.
On the eve of the third anniversary of the start of the unprovoked and brutal war that Russia unleashed against Ukraine, we recognize the strength and persistence of evil and understand the weakness and indecision of those who should have defended the innocent. But above all, we lift our eyes to Heaven and place our hope in the Lord. His promises are the source of our inspiration, and His faithfulness is the source of our strength and endurance. “‘I, I am he who comforts you; who are you that you are afraid of man who dies, of the son of man who is made like grass.’” Isaiah 51:12 ESV
First and foremost, give thanks to the Lord with us—He is good and caring. We are still alive and have not lost hope! The Ukrainian parliament has passed a law establishing February 24 as the National Day of Prayer in Ukraine each year! Just as prayer united the people of Great Britain during World War II, Ukrainians are uniting as a nation in prayer to God!
- Pray that political leaders seeking a path to peace negotiations for Ukraine base their judgments and proposals on truth and an understanding of justice. Ukraine and the civilized world need strong, courageous, and moral leadership.
- Pray that the churches of Ukraine will remain representatives of God’s Kingdom even amid war and uncertainty and that they will have the strength to love and serve people exhausted by war. Whatever awaits us in the near future, we want to tirelessly and faithfully proclaim the Gospel of salvation and hope to all people.
- Pray that God’s will be done in Ukraine and that a just and lasting peace brings an end to this cruel war, with reliable security guarantees forming the foundation for rebuilding the lives of millions and all the destroyed cities and villages.
Thank you for standing with us in prayer and active support over these three years! May God bless you all!
Igor
Don’t stop praying. Ukraine needs our prayers – now more than ever. Pray that in the chaos of war, God’s people will be found faithful and that the ‘gates of hell’ will be stormed, as believers share the message of Christ and have the joy of leading many into everlasting peace with God.
SGA is committed to ministering to God’s people and through them to ordinary people and families caught up in the suffering and unrelenting pain of war. Thank you for standing with us!
