Dear all,
When our family first arrived in Ukraine in 1998, we lived in the recently post-Soviet city of Mykolaiv. An American living in that part of Ukraine, at that time, was unthinkable, and I felt very out of place. Living in that duality was at sometimes funny (trying to buy a pound of flies instead of flour); and other times not funny (twice being accused of being a spy, one of those times detained).
I was reminded of that feeling of duality lately as I watched the political news concerning Ukraine, at the same time talking to Ukrainians.
Politically, it’s been hard few weeks for Ukraine. US finances withheld, US military support halted, and US visas for Ukrainian refugees paused. I was in Ukraine last week, and morale was low before, even lower now. Three years of fighting, thousands of air raid sirens, and losses of many young men; and now a new wave of uncertainty.
As Christians we have dual interests. The church in the West is not “fellow citizens” with Ukrainians in the same country, but we are citizens of the same Kingdom. We are both members of God’s household and as such have a concern for their well-being, fate, and faith as we would a member of our own local church.
So as we live through these dual allegiances, despite US foreign policy – we can naturally be concerned about, and come to the aid of the Ukrainian church as our brothers and sisters in faith.
First – we can be encouraged that the church in Ukraine still exists:
In the city of Mykolaiv where Tracy and I started, the city is becoming less and less livable as a result of constant attacks. Water is not potable in the city, there are fewer items in the stores in general, food prices are rising drastically, and basic services are hard to get. Andrei the pastor, still at his post, recently complained that he couldn’t find anyone to repair his computer in the city … but they have not cancelled a worship service in the last two years. The church stands.
Second – we can continue to support their work:
In Kharkiv the church continues to give aid. Three years later, most of the initial aid organizations have left because of lack of funding or danger; but the church there remains. Not only remains, but continues to give food packages to the needy in the church and community. Each of our churches across the country is doing something similar. These acts of love are natural to do in the short term, but to sustain this pace three years later, sometimes in great danger; it is in service to His kingdom and with His protection. Your giving allows us to be able to continue to support works like these.
Third – we can pray for their faith:
Living through an injustice this pervasive and protracted is hardly even possible. Each time you hear, see, or experience the horrible effects of the invasion and aggression – people question God: “why?”. What the church in Ukraine has done in preaching about suffering, endurance, and perfect justice is amazing. In writings, YouTube channels, and sermons – the ability of the church to take their theology and apply it to this war … is beautiful, and has brought many to the church.
One of the encouragements we can give to the church is to remember them. Even (especially) when they are forgotten politically, we can remember them spiritually by praying and encouraging.
It can be hard to live in two realities – Ukrainians know that difficulty better than most, but our challenge is to come alongside and not forget.
In Christ,
Jon & Tracy Eide
