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Family, War against Ukraine

How Are You Doing?

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by Abigail de Vuyst

“How are you doing?”
They routinely ask me this morning
“I’m okay,” I say, a regular response
They haven’t seen the news yet

“How are you doing?”
“I’m alright,” I say, as I hold back tears
I can’t look anyone in the face
They wonder what is going on with me
They haven’t made the connection

“How are you doing?”
Some ask, as they rush over to give me a hug
Every hug today is a little longer
They know the situation
I can’t even answer
I just cry

“How are you doing?”
My professor asks me as I enter the empty classroom
“They’re bombing my city” is all I can say
“Oh no,” they mutter
They remember where I’m from
I collapse into their caring arms

“How are you doing?”
“Have you seen the news,” I say
They do a quick search
“The missiles in Ukraine?” they ask
“Yeah, Russia declared war”
Thankfully, that’s enough of an answer

“How are you doing?
I saw the news
Are you okay?”
“I didn’t sleep last night,” I say
Pity engulfs their face
“I can’t even imagine,” they say

“How are you doing?”
“I’m from Ukraine,” I say
“If you need to talk, go ahead,”
The stranger says in my meeting
I appreciate the care

“How are you doing?”
I sigh; I know I am safe with them
“It’s been a hard day”
They help me process,
Cry with me and pray with me

“How are you doing?”
A bright happy smile
Crossing my path
“I’m good,” I say; I lie
I want to be upset—they don’t realize my situation
But their joyful smile instead
Gives me a moment of hope

I hope that one day
My people can again smile
Without the constant fear and thought of war

“How are you doing?”
I don’t know what to say
The truth is I don’t know how I am doing
I feel like my inside has been ripped open and someone is digging around inside,
trying to steal my heart

I guess that is what is happening
Someone is stealing my heart
Ukraine has always been my heart
Ukraine will always be my heart

Слава Україні!

War against Ukraine

Support Ukraine: Write Your Representatives

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This is a sample letter you can copy and paste to urge your elected officials to support Ukraine.

Dear _____,

I am deeply concerned about Russia’s war against Ukraine. Russia has violated Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The ongoing attack has produced an inhumane situation.  America cannot stand by idly any longer.  If we do, we will lose all credibility as a nation that claims to be for the rights of free, democratic nations.

We also lose all credibility because we are failing to uphold our commitments under the Budapest Memorandum signed in 1994.  We promised Ukraine that we would guarantee their security and territorial integrity in exchange for Ukraine giving up their nuclear arsenal.  Ukraine gave up their weapons, but now we are not upholding our commitments.  Any observers of our actions, Iran for example, would rightly not trust any promises given by the U.S. in exchange for not developing their own nuclear deterrent.

I would like to urge the United States government to support Ukraine.  First, the United States and NATO need to establish a no-fly zone over the territory of Ukraine.  This gives Ukraine’s army and territorial defense units a fighting chance to defend their nation since we will not go in and do it for them.  Secondly, provide Ukraine with all possible defensive weaponry including anti-missile technology, anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons; as well as arms, technology, and tactical gear to be able to fight back.  Third, Russia must be isolated in every way. Russia must be cut off from SWIFT, the international banking system, and treated as the pariah state that it is.  All possible actions to cut Russia off from any western economic and financial activity should be implemented immediately.  In addition, Russia should be expelled from all international organizations, sporting events, etc.  Russia should be isolated in such a way that all the kleptocrats keeping Putin in power realize that they need to remove him if they want to survive.  Finally, the United States needs to do everything in her power to help Ukrainian refugees including resettlement in the U.S.  We have a moral obligation to the people of Ukraine who are fighting today for our democratic values and for the freedoms that we enjoy.  They are fighting to maintain the order that we take for granted.  We need to step up to care for those who are suffering so much.

Please do everything possible to help Ukraine. 

Sincerely,

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Prayer request, War against Ukraine

Prayer for Ukraine

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George was asked by the CRC Worship Ministries to share a prayer for Ukraine. Please join us in praying for peace.

Heavenly Father, we come to you with heavy hearts as we see war in Ukraine.  We pray that you would be merciful on the people of Ukraine and Russia and end this war.  Grant wisdom to world leaders to effectively stop evil.  Allow for the truth to be known, for lies to be shown for what they are, and for evil-doers to be thwarted.

Lord, we pray for those who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods.  Comfort and provide for the needs of those who have been displaced and seek refuge.  Lord, we ask for mercy and we seek justice.  We pray that you would be at worked in both.

We pray for the day when all wars will cease and when your peaceful reign will come fully.  But in the meantime, we pray that you would use us to facilitate the coming of your kingdom here and now.  Help us to take action to bring peace, to care for the victims of war, and to work for justice.  Help us to live according to the principles of your Kingdom today, and to remain faithful until your Kingdom comes fully at your return. Grant courage to your church in Russia, in Ukraine, and here to speak truth to power and to prophetically proclaim the truths of your Kingdom as well as the day of grace that still remains for those who repent.  

Lord, we pray for Vladimir Putin.  We pray that you would change his heart and work your miracle of salvation in his life.  If he continues in his wicked ways, we pray that you would restrain his evil and have mercy on those who suffer because of it.

In all these things, we trust you, because you are our loving Father.  We ask that you would keep us faithful by the power of your Spirit and that you would be with your church in Ukraine – that in times of war it would faithfully follow you and represent you before the nations.  Heal the wounds, we pray, both physical and the wounds of the heart.  Reconcile the nations with you and with each other by the power of the cross of our reigning Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.