Keep Praying for Ukraine

This morning while reading Prayer by Frank C. Laubach, I was stopped in my tracks by this quote. It is a great reminder of how important prayer is, especially the prayers we are offering on behalf of Ukraine.

Prayer is likely to be undervalued by all but wise people because it is so silent and so secret. We are often deceived into thinking that noise is more important than silence. War sounds far more important than the noiseless growing of a crop of wheat, yet the silent wheat feeds millions, while war destroys them. Nobody but God knows how often prayers have changed the course of history.

Praying for Peace!

It was bittersweet to Skype with Tanya this morning. She was working at the worship room and I could see that place that I love so much. In the background I could hear the noise of artillery exploding. I could see the weariness in Tanya's eyes as she lives under the constant threat and strain of possible explosions. We talked about the people she is helping through the difficulties of life in Gorlovka.

As I looked around the room each thing I saw brought back joyful memories: playing darts with the boys, learning lessons about loving God and loving people, playing air hockey with the children, painting the walls and installing the ceiling tiles, playing crazy ping pong with so many friends.

The war has driven many people away from Gorlovka, and driven a wedge between friends and neighbors who once loved each other deeply. The longer the conflict wages, the more bitter the fruit it will bear. We continue to pray daily for a deep and lasting peace, including the restoration of love and friendship.

Please keep peace in Ukraine in your daily prayers.

P.S. The pictures are from Summer 2012