We are all concerned about the events unfolding in Ukraine. Here is the latest update on the situation from our Navigator World Missions Director.
Did you know?
Navigator ministries have thrived in Ukraine since the 1990s. And Ukraine has shown greater response to the gospel than many other former Soviet states, with vibrant churches growing and missionaries being sent out. Yet a great need still remains for laborers to share Christ with the many Ukrainians who do not know Jesus.
The good news
Our two American Navigator missionary families were safely evacuated out of Ukraine a few weeks before the Russian invasion (thanks to generous donations given to the Missionary Care Fund). These missionary families relocated to Hungary and are being hosted by the Navigator team in Budapest. Our missionaries are maintaining daily communications with many Ukrainian Navigator colleagues and friends. One of our missionary families has served in Ukraine for nearly 17 years.
The sad news
Many of our Ukrainian Navigator friends are in real danger. One key laborer is staying in the Navigator office in Kyiv, some families are hunkering down in apartments while the husbands go off to battle, some have been able to flee to outlying villages or other countries, and some are still trying to find a way out of the city. Our Ukrainian Navigator friends report shortages of food, water, electricity, and gasoline.
A quote from one of the Ukrainian Navigator friends
“Thank you for the prayers. I feel the encouragement. I am calm. How beautiful it is to live with God. Now every morning I begin my day with prayer. Praise God. He has everything under control. I ask you to pray for my sister. They are panicking. Also, please pray for my boss at work, Alexander, and his son, also Alexander. They became soldiers to defend Kyiv. “
Other evacuations
Another American Navigator missionary couple and two single American Navigator missionaries are also being evacuated out of the region. More may follow if established thresholds for action are reached. The crisis in Ukraine opens wonderful opportunities to share the good news of Jesus Christ, but it also presents real dangers for our staff in the region. We want to walk by faith—not in fear, and not in foolishness.
How to pray
- Pray that peace would prevail.
- Pray for the practical needs of the Ukrainian people.
- Pray that Ukrainian believers would abound with faith, hope, and love.
- Pray that Ukrainian churches would shine brightly for Jesus.
- Pray that this conflict would further the gospel and multiply laborers for the harvest.
- Pray for the well-being of our evacuated missionaries as they grieve deeply for Ukraine.
- Pray for wisdom if other evacuations become necessary.
A key Bible passage
Many of our Navigator staff in Eurasia have identified Psalm 46 as a key passage for seeking God in the midst of this crisis. Would you consider adding this passage to your Bible reading plan as a way to unite with our staff in the region and as a guide for your own prayers?