The tragic conflict in Ukraine has swiftly become a crisis on multiple levels. Vladimir Putin’s decision to launch an invasion of Ukraine on Thursday 24th February 2022 has been met with widespread condemnation and sorrow, as well as renewed calls for prayer. We here at Newcastle Baptist Church continue to get on our knees for the war and the effects in Ukraine, for the growing refugee problem on the borders, and for the fears of many Russian people, those who are in Russia and those who live elsewhere.
There are 2 main ways you can help practically where you are – through financial giving and prayer. As an immediate response, NBC will be giving donations to 2 charities that we have ongoing links with…
BMS World Mission – who are working with the European Baptist Federation (EBF) and with Ukrainian church leaders on the ground – [ https://www.bmsworldmission.org ]
and also to
Chrysolis – a Christian charity working on the borders of Romania and Moldova funding the costs of families and churches hosting, feeding, and caring for Ukrainians who have fled to Romania and Moldova – [ https://www.stewardship.org.uk ].
If you would like to donate to these organisations yourself then please feel free to go through the links above or you can bring a donation, cash or cheque, on any Sunday morning to NBC in an envelope marked ‘UKRAINE’ and place it in the normal collection box.
Other charities working in the area that our church have pre-existing links with include Teams4U [ https://teams4u.com ] and Operation Mobilisation [ https://www.uk.om.org ] and we endeavour to update this page as time goes forward with other organisations who we trust. We know that many of you have already given to lots of different charities and we would encourage you to keep supporting trusted people and organisations working in the affected areas.
The second way you can practically respond is through prayer. There are lots of resources out there you can use to pray, here are 3 sites we recommend…
24-7 Prayer ‘Pray for Peace in Ukraine’ – [ https://www.24-7prayer.com ]
Baptist Union ‘Prayers for Ukraine’ – [ https://www.baptist.org.uk ]
Tearfund ‘How to pray for Ukraine’ – [ https://www.tearfund.org ]
We would urge everyone to carefully consider how you can respond in your circumstances – give where you can and pray in an informed manner by following trusted news sources.
Finally, a prayer from the Joint Public Issues Team…
‘God of all, with alarm and concern we bring before you the military intervention in Ukraine. In a world you made for peace and flourishing, we lament the use of armed force. We mourn every casualty of this conflict, every precious life extinguished by war. We pray comfort for those who grieve and those who are fearful. Hear our longing that leaders and nations will honour the worth of all people by having the courage to resolve conflict through dialogue. May all our human failings be transformed by your wonderful grace and goodness. We ask this in the name of Christ, the author of peace and sustainer of Creation. Amen.’