Ukraine Crisis- Who We Are Helps us Know How We Serve

Each day thousands of dear, traumatized people are arriving in Bucharest, and other cities throughout Europe. It’s an overwhelming situation with no end in sight.

How does God want us to help? A big part of that answer is rooted in another question- “Who are we?” Jennifer and I are so grateful to the Lord for our 2-month “Renew” time in January and February when we explored how God has uniquely molded us, and what gifts we are to offer others in times of need.

As I asked God that question last month and considered feedback I’d gotten from trusted friends, a phrase came to mind. “Cross-Cultural Shepherd” I sense that’s a life-long role for me. In a way it’s already who I am. It’s also who I’m becoming and who I’m called to be. So, while I’m getting to contribute in practical ways like serving tables and manning the laundry service at our church’s refugee center, my primary focus is shepherding. My calling is to listen, care, and connect with people. And I encourage others to do the same. As we hear their painful stories come to the light, we’re able to join them in mourning. Together, we naturally look for help, turning our eyes toward Jesus, the Man of Sorrows, Who alone can fully identify and bring hope to seemingly crushing situations.

I’m helping organize daily prayer and worship times at the refugee center. Last night we were blessed with beautiful worship music as well as a message from Psalm 46. All of this was in done in the native language of our Ukrainian friends! It was beautiful to feel the unity and love in the room in the face of such pain and loss.

An Egyptian international student (“M”) is at living at the center. He had been studying in Harkov, Ukraine where he was threatened at gun point by a soldier! He knew then that he had to flee the country. M feels confused, angry and is quite paranoid at times. He’s one of the millions in great need of healing and hope. Yesterday afternoon, M had been speaking with me, expressing some hostility toward Christians. Still, he attended our prayer time. As we sang his heart softened and his eyes filled with tears. Afterward he gave me a big hug which a friend happened to catch in a photo.

We’re so grateful to be part of an amazing army of around 800 volunteers in a network called “UBC22” (Ukraine Bucharest Churches ’22). The array of gifts being used is phenomenal!!! Jennifer has a niche that fits her gifting. She’ll share more about her role in this crisis in another update.

Here's the welcome sign at the entry of the refugee center at our church. Over 400 Ukrainians have passed through in the last two weeks on their way to long term housing solutions.

To contribute to the Ukrainian relief effort through ReachGlobal, click here.

With sorrow and a living hope in the Lord,
Dave and Jennifer