Our Lord told His disciples, “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains” (Matt. 24:6–8).
Jesus warned them that they would face many trials, “but the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matt. 24:13). As the church waits for the return of Christ, we know that wars and other trials will occur, and we pray for those who are suffering.
First, we pray that their faith in Christ would endure. We also pray that God would provide for them as their gracious heavenly Father. And we pray that all find hope and strength in the grace of God in Jesus Christ.
As the situation in Ukraine continues, the church prays and provides for those affected.
In a recent email, the Rev. James A. Krikava, associate executive director of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Office of International Mission (OIM), Eurasia and Asia Operations, explained that the OIM is already working with several church bodies in Europe to help those affected by this crisis.
This work includes aid for our brothers and sisters in Christ in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ukraine (ELCU) and other refugees.
The OIM is currently working with five Lutheran churches to help refugees from this conflict. These church bodies are located in Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Germany and the Czech Republic.
The Rev. Serge Maschewski, bishop of the ELCU, requests funds for medicine; fuel for the evacuation of children, women and the elderly; food; and personal safety gear for pastors who work in dangerous areas.
Maschewski said that the needs are always changing: “I don’t know the exact amount of money. Today we need food. Tomorrow we need medicine. The list changes daily.”
In a recent email to Krikava and LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, Maschewski said, “I want to give special thanks to the faithful of the LCMS, and personally to President Harrison and Pastor Krikava. God bless you! We, by the power of God, will overcome all things, and the Lord will grant us victory!”
The Lord Jesus, who talked about coming wars and calamities, died and rose from the dead to forgive sins and give eternal life to all who believe. Before He ascended, He promised His church, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). The church prays for peace in our world and for faith as we await His coming.
To support the people of Ukraine, please pray for them.
If you desire to contribute to their needs, there are several ways to donate:
- Text LCMSUKRAINE to 41-444.
- Give online via LCMS Mission Advancement.
- Call the LCMS at 888-930-4438.
- Give online via Mission Central.
- Call Mission Central (Mapleton, Iowa) at 712-882-1029.
- By mail, make your check out to “The LCMS,” and write “Ukraine Relief” in the memo line. Mail to: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, P.O. Box 66861, St. Louis, MO 63166-6861.
Posted March 1, 2022/Updated March 2, 2022/March 4, 2022/March 23, 2022
