Unreal. If there’s any word to describe the past week, that’s what I’d say. I’ve had this conversation multiple times in the last week; It stems from the question “What can I do about the situation in Ukraine?”
Unlike many people who got word about this invasion from the media, I had a personal experience. My family friend reached out asking if he could come to Hungary. Curious to know why, I called and got word about this.
And like that, this ordeal began. The daily check-in with friends/acquaintances to ensure they are alive, and the long wait time spanning between 12 hours and 4 days at the various borders. To say the least, this has been a trying period for Ukraine and for its neighbours too.
I’ve lived in Hungary for close to 5 years and never have I seen this kind of warm reception.
While chatting with my friend, we both established that we are mentally drained just following the events, how much more people who experienced this first hand.
For a lot of Ukrainians, they aren’t going back to anything. That in itself breaks me but I’m learning to trust God in this too.
How can I help with the situation in Ukraine?
Honestly, fear gripped me in the first days of the invasion. It was quite hard to believe that anything good can come out of this. Since then, it’s been a process of trusting God, even when one can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Wherever you are, how can you help with the situation in Ukraine?
Pray for our leaders: The Bible asks that you and I pray for all men (1Timothy 2:1-2). If you don’t know what to pray, you can simply say: God please help Ukraine and help our leaders to lead with knowledge, understanding and wisdom.
Pray for the citizens: Pray that God will help them heal from the trauma of this war. Pray that God will grant them peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Pray for the salvation of souls: Ask God for an encounter for those yet to know Jesus. That they get to see and experience the love of Christ even in this situation.
Help someone: Depending on your ability, help someone. Many people have no food or shelter, if you can buy one or a few things, please do. Incase you can accommodate someone, please do. If you can be present emotionally, please do so.
Don’t share the wrong information: In the midst of this situation, it’s very easy to want to share everything you see. Please verify first and then share it.
Don’t turn a blind eye: If you don’t live close to Ukraine or in Europe, it’s tempting to turn a blind eye. Please don’t do it, because the situation will affect each of us accordingly.
Writer’s note
This situation in Ukraine has changed my life. Although not based in Ukraine, it has turned my way of thinking. My sister recently shared what she’d take with her in the event of a war.
Normally, we wouldn’t think like that but here we are. Please keep us all in prayers; Ukraine, Russia, and the world.
Thank you for reading! May the peace of God be with you!
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