By Curt Edgerton, Executive Director, DMD Initiative
Each morning brings news headlines related to escalated tensions at the Ukrainian border. Perhaps as a follower of Christ, you are not overtly political. Somewhere within the polarized and often conflicting media, many within the ranks of the Church find themselves exhausted and disconnected. It has been a difficult season for many of us. What are we to think and do with such news as a potential invasion of Ukraine on the other side of the world? As the local church has dealt with the effects of Covid, economics, and potential aggressions towards religious freedoms, exhaustion has taken a toll on our ministries and our members. A border dispute in a distant country could be easy to ignore.
Though I sympathize, I cannot personally afford to approach this issue with indifference. A few years ago, God called a precious young family from our congregation in Beaumont Texas to gospel ministry in Ukraine. We stood witness to the weight of their convictions as this successful American couple sold their home and the bulk of their possessions. Knowing their young children would grow up separated from extended family, they took comfort in following the Lord.
Due to potential risk, the sending organization has moved this family and their team to safety. As their children struggle to understand why they must leave their home and school, their missionary parents wrestle with leaving the churches that have grown dear to them. This article is not an encouragement to call your local senator or express your political opinion on social media. We do not need to agree or even state our political perspective. We need to pray. Pray for the churches and ministers in Ukraine. Pray for the frightened children, the nervous families, and most importantly, those who do not know the Lord.