The people of Ukraine have suffered years of conflict. This week, pray for strength and resilience for the nation and all the communities impacted on so many levels.
Warning: contains mentions of violence that some readers may find upsetting.
Sunday 28 September
‘There is no one I know in Ukraine whose life has not been deeply marked by conflict,’ says Allan Bussard, Director of the Integra Foundation based in Slovakia. ‘People are exhausted, but they also know that they cannot give up.’ Lord, we pray for perseverance and hope for the people of Ukraine. Amen.
Monday 29 September
Tearfund is a member of Integral Alliance: 21 Christian agencies united to alleviate suffering in places hit by disasters. Seventeen Integral members are responding to the Ukraine crisis, supported by Tearfund. Praise God for the power of organisations coming together and working in unity. ‘The value of the Alliance to our work in Ukraine is enormous,’ says Allan Bussard.
Tuesday 30 September
‘I refused to return to my husband because of his cruel attitude. He often beat and abused me and the children,’ says Olga from Ukraine. Domestic abuse doesn’t stop because of a wider-scale conflict. War, with the loss of homes and the destruction of essential infrastructure, can make the situation much worse. Lord, we lift to you families suffering from domestic abuse. Amen.
Wednesday 1 October
‘I made up my mind and went to the team of Tearfund’s partner,’ continues Olga. ‘One staff member in particular helped me the most. She was the first person to help me. She listened to me and then went through restorative therapy with me.’ Thank you, Lord, that today Olga is living in a safer situation. Amen.
Thursday 2 October
Julia is a 28-year-old mother of three. She knows first hand the profound cost of war. Her husband, who she describes as a dedicated young man who willingly stepped into service for his country after receiving his draft notice, was killed on the front lines. Pray for those who have lost loved ones.
Friday 3 October
Praise God that Tearfund’s local partners have been able to provide mental health support for people, like Julia, facing some of the most devastating circumstances. For the past seven months, Julia has been attending the sessions. She describes them as ‘a journey through the valley of shadow’, helping her confront her grief and begin to reshape her life with renewed purpose.
Saturday 4 October
Tearfund’s Bridge of Hope programme offers retreats for Ukrainian ministers and pastors, providing a safe space for rest, restoration and renewed strength to serve their communities. One pastor called it ‘invaluable’. Please pray for more pastors to experience this restoration.
