Under Attack
“WEEP WITH THOSE WHO WEEP” (Rom. 12:15).
Mona Shafer Edwards, artist, shared this watercolor on her FB page. So far there are over 110K shares!
This is NOT a political piece; it is a cry for loving hearts to rise to the occasion. Please read and follow your noble promptings.
The world has watched in horror as Russia staged its troops, readied its arsenal, and then launched its attack on independent Ukraine. But I live so remote from them that the invasion’s impact on me seemed distant, on the other side of the world. It was lost on me until Monday night.
On Mondays I gather with several young Ukrainian adults, almost all were born there before immigrating. They spoke as fluently of the nation’s geography as I can of my home state, Washington. They are wonderful, hard-working, God-fearing people. And they are my friends.
One of them is a doctor, working at a local hospital. I asked him if the impact of COVID was abating. It had been a real concern to him recently. His response woke me up. After a brief assuring update, he said what was truly concerning to him was the war in his fatherland. He has many family members and friends in the line of fire.
I could see it etched in his face. Sleepless nights and unabating anxiety were exacting their toll. He is a good man—they all are—with deep faith in God and a tender heart for the hurting. I wonder what I can do.
You, too, may know people from Ukraine. They’re hurting. They have loved ones and childhood memories. Words of comfort: “I care,” “Can I do anything for you?” etc. are always appropriate.
Monday night we prayed together, more than once. You can do that. Pray privately. Pray with a group. Pray to Him who comforts and supports. Pray often.
Finally, why not contact a Ukrainian church and offer financial assistance? Funds for food, medicine, or other necessities, even for transportation out of the war zone, can be funneled best by those who have contacts in the Ukraine. (Please do not send anything to me.)
It may not be much that any one person can do, but it will always be more than doing nothing. And, if we each do a little, it might become a lot.
It is not enough to wish them well, faith demands more.
Rod MacArthur
206.949.0325
rod_macarthur@comcast.net