Photo Credit: Norma Desmond via Compfight cc
Ukraine, a nation of more than 45 million people, remains Europe’s undiscovered country. Until recent events landed the nation in the headlines, most people knew very little about this unique land.
Did you know, for example:
- There is ample evidence that horses were first domesticated in Ukraine.
- Ukraine is one of the world’s breadbaskets. In 2011 it was the third largest grain-exporting nation in the world.
I just wrapped up another ministry trip to Ukraine. Here are three things I want you to know about Ukraine. I will conclude with a few specific items for your prayers.
- Ukraine: A Beautiful People.
Ukraine is filled with incredible beauty. From the Carpathian Mountains in the west to the golden fields of Sunflowers in the east to the rugged beauty of the Crimean peninsula, only the beauty of her people surpasses the natural beauty of this nation.
Ukrainians are hard-working people with a deep love for family and friends. They excel at showing unrestrained hospitality to guest. The world has witnessed them exhibit humble strength in the face of aggression.
Every time I visit this nation I am reminded that it remains Europe’s undiscovered country.
- Ukraine: A Broken and Bullied Nation.
Ukraine and her people are beautiful. Unfortunately, this beautiful place is broken and bullied.
Transparency International ranks Ukraine number 144 out of 177. It tied with Iran on the corruption scale. Thankfully the new leadership of the nation is seeking greater alignment with Europe and European standards.
The nation has suffered more than its share of external bullying and destabilization as well. During the early 1930s they suffered from Stalin’s forced famine, where the Soviet authorities collectivized Ukrainian farms. Up to seven million Ukrainians were intentionally starved to death. The books The Harvest of Sorrows and Execution by Hunger: The Hidden Holocaust are excellent but disturbing accounts of this overlooked holocaust.
Ukraine is part of what has been called “The Bloodlands.” This term refers to the part of Europe between the Baltics and the Black Sea where between 1933 and 1945 Stalin and Hitler murdered 14 million people.
Today, it continues to suffer acts of destabilization from outside forces seeking to control its destiny.
The world’s attention was brought to Ukraine during the recent uprising that toppled Viktor Yanukovich’s government.
The world was galvanized by a short video featuring Yulia Marushevska, titled, “I am a Ukrainian.”
The protests grew stronger and stronger, with sometimes over one million people gathering in Maidan Square in the dead of winter.
WARNING: The Video Below is Moving, But it Does Contain Graphic Scenes of Violence.
Government shooting its own citizens sealed the trajectory of the Ukrainian people.
It is easy to view this from a distance in cold, geo-political terms, but when you know the people it takes own on a whole new dynamic. Families and historical ties are being torn apart.
- Ukraine: A Bright Hope.
Thankfully we have a greater hope than politics and governments of men. Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, told us, “I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
Throughout Ukraine God is raising up vibrant churches that faithfully proclaim the Good News of Jesus. City of Light is one such movement. I have the privilege of working with them throughout Ukraine.
Dare we believe that in the New Dark Continent a light will arise to shine in this most unlikely of places? Dare we believe that in Europe the Church of Jesus Christ will shine in brilliance and glory in Europe’s Undiscovered Country.
It has happened before: in despised and overlooked places like Galilee and among despised and overlooked people like the fishermen Jesus called to be His disciples. God makes Himself known to those who cry out to the God Who Sees.
So, I ask you to join me in praying for Ukraine.
- Pray the Gospel goes forth throughout this nation that lives will be changed.
- Pray for our Pastor Training Program. Starting in September we begin a new pastor training series to train, equip, and mobilize the 15 City of Light senior pastors and their teams.
- Pray for the peace and prosperity of the nation.
- Pray for Righteousness to transform the nation.
For More Information About Ukraine, check out these resources:
Borderland: A Journey Through the History of Ukraine
Execution by Hunger: The Hidden Holocaust.
The Bloodlands: Europe Between Hitler and Stalin.
News:
The Kyiv Post. An Online English Newspaper Based in Kyiv.
Most Importantly VISIT THE NATION. Discover this Beautiful place. Just don’t go in winter, it gets really cold.
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Thank you so much for your prayers and support. Our ministry happens because of your partnership in the Gospel.
Debbie and I serve as the FMI Global Associate Director for MENACA and Europe. We focus on cultivating disciples, leaders, and church planting movements.
