Mennonite Bretheren in Ukraine

An extract from a letter sent 24 Feb from Roman Rakhuba, leader of Associated Mennonite Brethren Churches in Ukraine, who is based in Zaporozhye. AMN recently gave a small grant to him to help his church make preparations for possible war (his letter of response was in the last newsletter).

Greetings from Ukraine to all our brothers and sisters! Thank you so much for worrying about us and praying for us... At the moment, there is chaos happening in Zaporozhye and in other parts of Ukraine... A small group of church members is now gathering in the Zaporozhye church with an aim of equipping a bomb-shelter in the church basement and figuring out what to do next….

Our first and foremost goal now is not to let people panic. The second goal is to help people in need by providing them with food, medicines and safe places… As of today, more than twenty Mennonite churches and more than twenty churches of other denominations are united in attempts to help people around – about 4,000 people in total. All these churches impact approximately 100,000 people with their ministry. We’re actively coworking with the city government….

In the current situation we have a lot of need and expenses. We’re buying electric generators, food and trying to stock up with fuel… So, our main needs are in prayers for the safety of our people and in finances.

We do believe in God’s power and that He will help us, we put our hopes on Him that we would surpass this and stay safe and alive. Thank you for all that you have been doing for us, it inspires us incredibly! May you and your families be blessed with the love of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Affectionately yours, Roman Rakhuba

Ukrainian Seminary

From an email from Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary Kyiv. This seminary has in the past been the recipient of grants from AMN to purchase books for their library.

As far as the students, faculty and staff of the seminary are concerned, the most of us are on the campus. We are considering evacuation to the Western part of the country, but, given the situation on the main highways, right now it seems unrealistic. We know that you have been praying for us all this time. We tremendously appreciate that. We are sure that you will continue standing with us in prayer! This is a great encouragement for us!

Dnipro Hope Mission

One of our trustees, Joshua Searle, is also a trustee of a charity which operates in Ukraine. Here is a link to their website which gives more information about the situation.

Mennonite World Conference

An extract from a letter from J Nelson Kraybill, president of Mennonite World Conference (complete version here).

We call on Mennonites around the world, and all who confess Christ as Lord, to join in praying for the peace of Ukraine. We grieve violence and we reject efforts by any nation to dominate another. We pray for leaders of Ukraine, Russia and allied nations as they respond to or participate in this crisis.

For the love of God and the sanctity of life, we ask that all combatants stop the bloodshed and seek the welfare of all people in Ukraine, Europe and Russia.

We stand in solidarity with you as you cooperate with other denominations and local governments to provide food, shelter and medications to those in need.

Brother Roman Rakhuba, leader of Associated Mennonite Brethren Churches in Ukraine, we hear your call for spiritual and financial support. We applaud the vision and courage of God's people in Ukraine, and will look for ways we can help sustain you and your ministry.

As stated in the MWC Shared Convictions, we believe that the “Spirit of Jesus empowers us to trust God in all areas of life so we become peacemakers who renounce violence, love our enemies, seek justice, and share our possessions with those in need.”

“For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born to us...and he is named...Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:5-6).

Living God, may your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as in heaven!

Amen