We've spent the last few weeks watching coverage of the war in Ukraine. The Christian and Missionary Alliance is working diligently to stay in contact with ministry partners around the world, especially in Ukraine. At this time, all Alliance international workers from the region are safe and accounted for, according to the denomination's website.

Before we provide ways you can help, we want to remind you of a core biblical practice for this time: lamentation. 

Practicing Biblical Lament

Biblical lament propels us toward action for the advancement of God’s Kingdom here on earth. First, we take an honest look at injustice and suffering. Then, we bring our thoughts, emotions, and requests before God and ask that he move on behalf of those who suffer as we seek His leadership for ways to engage.

Lamentation is a vital part of following Jesus, who also grieves injustice and suffering. 

We specifically lament the suffering taking place in Russia and Ukraine right now. Our staff has been in prayer for our sisters and brothers in both Ukraine and Russia, and we hope you will join us in prayer and action, too. That said, here are some ways you can help. 

Ways you can help

One of the gifts of being part of the C&MA is the opportunity to give directly to relief efforts when global suffering emerges. That said, CAMA Services, the relief arm of The Alliance, continues to partner with pastors in Kyiv as they care for the suffering and displaced in Ukraine. They’ve compiled a list of ways you can give financially on their website.

We recognize not everyone has the ability to give financially. That’s okay! Here are six ways the Alliance says you can partner with the Ukrainian people in prayer: 

• Pray for those who have lost homes or loved ones, been forced to flee, or remain in harm’s way
• Pray for much-needed supplies/aid to reach areas most impacted
• Pray for our national church partners in Ukraine as they do all they can to help those in dire need
• Pray for the safety of congregations in areas of heightened military strikes
• Pray that our sovereign God intervenes and brings an end to the conflict
• Give thanks to God that Alliance international workers from the region are all safe and accounted for.

Pray Psalm 46

We encourage you to pray and remember what Psalm 46 says: "He makes wars cease. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns shields with fire. He says, 'Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.'"

To read the whole Psalm, here's Bible Gateway. 

Other resources

For those with little ones, Executive Director of Discovery Land Kris Smoll discusses how to talk to kids about suffering.

Love candles? Door County Candle Company started a fundraiser. 

We will continue to release information and resources as the Ukrainian crisis continues. Thank you for your prayer and patience as we all navigate this difficult time.