March 9, 2022 Weekly Update
Happy Wednesday friends,
If you’re like me, you’ve been focused on the unprovoked attack and war on Ukraine. A humanitarian and refugee crisis is evolving before our eyes, and despite the real time news and updates, it can feel bit like we are helpless. What can we do?
As people of God, we can ALWAYS pray. Please pray for the Ukrainian people as they try to defend their way of life, their families, and their homeland. Pray God’s gracious mercy to work in the hearts of those who seek war. Pray for the Russian people who are being tricked and misled, or arrested and harmed because of their peaceful protests. Pray for your own heart, that it won’t be hardened or frozen into a place of “us and them.”
Our crisis disaster ministry, UMCOR, is assessing needs on the ground and giving crisis and relief funding to ministries and UMC churches in Ukraine. There are 10 United Methodist Churches in Ukraine. You can always donate through our local church to UMCOR (in person or online), or donate directly to UMCOR here https://umcmission.org/advance-project/982450/
And remember, God works in so many ways to bring heling and relief to those who suffer. Just last week a movement started in which folks from around the world started booking home rentals on AirBnB. They had no intention of vacationing or staying in Ukraine, they just wanted a way to support Ukrainians with money. The movement picked up steam, and over 61,000 nights were booked within a few days, raising over $2 million dollars for vacation rental home owners. AirBnB waived all their normal fees. Many folks are losing their regular income because of the war. AirBnB rental home owners are using these funds for food and medicine for people in their community. Praise God! Check out one story here: https://people.com/travel/2-million-raised-airbnb-bookings-in-ukraine-to-support-country-russias-invasion/
Wishing you a holy lent,
Pastor Jared