Prayer Needs: Summer 2023

We are grateful and blown away by how the Lord has given us opportunities all around the world to minister to his people. Earlier this year, we were asked to lead an online series of sessions to encourage and train church leaders in Ukraine. Julie Lowe, Darby Strickland, and Jill Butler spoke about issues such as trauma, family and children in war, and sexual violence. Our time was a sobering reminder of what is true in the world, yet also a reminder of the great hope we have in Jesus, who has overcome the world.

Seeing God’s provision of loving shepherds for his suffering people in Ukraine reminded us of the truth that God never leaves nor forsakes his people, even in our darkest moments.

While there are so many needs of those suffering in the midst of war, would you join us in praying for Ukrainian ministry leaders in these specific ways?

• Pray that God would strengthen and encourage Ukrainian pastors and ministry leaders to persevere in their care of people amid the many difficulties they face. Pray that they would continually depend on God, who—though we may come to the end of ourselves emotionally and physically—neither slumbers nor sleeps, even amid war (Ps 121:4).
• Pray that their ministry in a time of war would be a light in the darkness that draws others to the saving grace of Jesus. Pray that the Lord would equip the church in Ukraine with practical helps that direct people to the Lord as they deal with the realities of war.
• Pray that God would use these leaders to bring encouragement to Ukrainians who live without safety every day. They are facing a myriad of sufferings and violations: suicide, soldiers raping women, husbands or wives leaving their spouses, families suffering separation, and many children fearing they will never seeing their parents again. Pray that the Lord will bring safety to the vulnerable and comfort with the knowledge of his nearness and care.
• The fullness of God’s presence, the comfort of his Word, and the care of God’s people will be the sufferer’s ever-present help in their time of need. Pray that these realities would be true for the church in Ukraine.