Ukraine: Challenges persist amid calls for peace
The prospect of peace in Ukraine remains distant, as the European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, emphasized this week. Speaking ahead of her first EU foreign ministers’ summit, Kallas noted that peacekeeping missions cannot be discussed while Russia continues its aggression. She highlighted Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s recent statements reaffirming Moscow’s commitment to its military objectives, underscoring Russia’s unwillingness to seek a peaceful resolution.
The ongoing war, which began over two years ago, continues to devastate Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for increased military, financial, and energy sector support, while maintaining hope for diplomatic solutions in the future. However, European leaders, including Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp and Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, stress that immediate efforts must focus on bolstering Ukraine’s defenses rather than speculating about peacekeeping missions.
Zelenskyy is set to meet with NATO leaders and European officials in Brussels to discuss potential security guarantees if peace talks materialize. However, the EU ministers unanimously agree that Ukraine needs weapons, air defense systems, and robust financial support to withstand Russian aggression.
Meanwhile, the EU is intensifying its efforts to weaken Russia’s capacity to wage war. The 15th sanctions package, adopted during the summit, targets individuals and companies aiding Moscow in evading sanctions and acquiring banned technologies. These measures also include actions against a “shadow fleet” used to transport Russian oil and gas and sanctions on North Korean officials suspected of collaboration with the Kremlin.
As discussions about peace and rebuilding Ukraine remain conceptual, Christians worldwide are urged to continue interceding for Ukraine’s resilience and for wisdom among global leaders.
Prayer Pointers – Praying for Peace in Ukraine (Watch Sergey Shidlovskiy’s Prayer video HERE)
- Pray for God to bring peace to Ukraine, bringing hope and comfort to those in despair. Isaiah 26:3
- Pray for God to soften hearts, turning leaders toward reconciliation and away from violence. Proverbs 21:1
- Pray for protection over families and children, that God’s hand of safety surrounds them in conflict zones. Psalm 91:1-2
- Pray for God’s wisdom to guide world leaders and mediators as they work toward lasting peace. James 1:5
- Pray for God to heal trauma and brokenness in Ukraine, restoring hope through His love and power. Psalm 147:3
- Pray for the Church in Ukraine to shine as a light of hope and compassion, drawing many to Jesus. Matthew 5:16
- Pray for miraculous provision of resources and strength for displaced families and those reb building their lives. Philippians 4:19
Prayer
Lord of peace, we pray for an end to the conflict in Ukraine. Strengthen its people, guide its leaders, and soften the hearts of those perpetuating violence. Amen.
Bible Verse
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” — Matthew 5:9
Syria: Uncertainty for Christians post-Assad
The fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government has ushered in a new era of uncertainty for the war-torn nation. Assad fled to Russia as a coalition of militant factions, led by Abu Mohammed al-Golani, seized control. Golani, once affiliated with al-Qaeda and a proponent of sharia law, has sought to rebrand his movement, claiming Syria is for all. However, Christians in Syria remain skeptical of these assurances, fearing the potential for continued instability and marginalization.
The 14-year civil war devastated Syria, killing over half a million people and displacing half of its 23 million population. While some Syrian Christians supported Assad’s regime as a source of stability, others hope the end of his rule will lead to a more inclusive society. Yet, rebel leader Golani’s promises face scrutiny due to his militant past and uncertain commitment to protecting minority rights.
Churches in Damascus and other areas remain open, but attendance has dwindled. Leaders like Harout Selimian, president of the Armenian Protestant Churches, have expressed unease about the opposition's unclear agenda. Presbyterian leader Joseph Kassab warns of a possible “Libya scenario,” where rival factions turn on each other, plunging the country back into chaos. This fear is compounded by the fragile coalition among militant groups and external influence from regional powers.
The global church is called to stand in prayerful solidarity with Syrian believers during this critical time. The challenges of rebuilding communities, promoting reconciliation, and fostering peace amidst uncertainty require divine intervention and bold faith.
Prayer
Father of peace, we lift up Syria and its people to You. Protect Christians, guide new leaders toward justice, and bring hope to a weary land. Amen.
Prayer pointers from WEA:
Let us pray for:
Peace and Stability in Syria - Pray for a peaceful transition in the ongoing regime change, resulting in justice, stability, and prosperity for all Syrians. Kindly ask for God’s wisdom to guide global and regional leaders involved in shaping Syria’s future.
Protection of Christian Communities - Pray for the safety of all Christian communities, churches, and leaders in Syria as they navigate this period of uncertainty. Please intercede against threats posed by rising radical groups, asking for God’s shield over His people.
Wisdom for Church Leaders - Pray for clarity, wisdom, and strength for Christian leaders ministering to their congregations amid adversity. Kindly ask God to provide them with discernment as they shepherd His flock in this challenging times.
Return and Restoration - Pray for the safe return of displaced individuals, including approximately 10,000 Christians, to their homes in Aleppo and other regions. Please lift up those uniting into their communities, asking for resources, opportunities, and support for their rebuilding efforts.
Radicalism and its evil - Kindly intercede against the influence of radical groups, praying for the establishment of a just and secure society. Please ask God for peace to replace conflict and for God’s hand to dismantle forces of oppression.
Unity and Faith - Pray for unity among believers in Syria, that they may remain steadfast in faith and be a light to others. Kindly ask for boldness and perseverance in their witness, sharing the hope of the Gospel. 2 3 Let us approach this week of prayer with the faith and hope, believing that God is at work in Syria. May our sincere intercession contribute to peace, freedom, and God’s glory in the region.
Bible Verse
“The Lord will be a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” — Psalm 9:9
Mayotte: Cyclone Chido devastation
Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, has been ravaged by Cyclone Chido, the strongest storm to hit the region in 90 years. With winds exceeding 225 km/h (140 mph), the cyclone caused widespread devastation, leaving much of the island without basic resources. The cyclone particularly devastated impoverished communities, flattening slums built from fragile materials. At least 20 people have been confirmed dead, but officials fear the death toll could climb into the thousands as rescuers search through the rubble.
Over 85% of Mayotte remains without power, and only 20% of phones are operational. Emergency supplies are trickling in, but significant shortages of food, water, and shelter persist. The damage to key infrastructure, including roads, power lines, and water treatment plants, is hampering rescue and relief efforts. Many residents, already struggling with poverty, face hunger and thirst as they wait for aid.
Mayotte’s unique challenges complicate recovery efforts. The island is home to over 100,000 undocumented migrants, making it difficult to account for the missing or dead. The Muslim tradition of burying the deceased within 24 hours adds further complications to documenting fatalities.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, along with military and Red Cross personnel, has deployed reinforcements to assist with rescue operations. Despite these efforts, the scale of the destruction is overwhelming. As one resident described, “You feel like you are in the aftermath of a nuclear war.”
Cyclone Chido also impacted neighboring Mozambique, bringing flash floods, structural damage, and power outages. Aid organizations, including UNICEF, have raised concerns about access to clean water, medical care, and the spread of diseases like cholera and malaria in affected areas.
This disaster underscores the vulnerability of impoverished communities to extreme weather events, which are intensifying due to climate change. Recovery will be a long and arduous process for Mayotte and its neighbors.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we pray for strength and provision for the people of Mayotte and Mozambique. Bring healing, relief, and restoration to those affected. Amen.
Bible Verse
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18
Gaza: Christians living amidst war
Since the war between Hamas and Israel erupted in October 2023, the Christian population of Gaza has faced immense challenges. Of the approximately 1,070 Christians who lived in Gaza before the conflict, only about 600 remain. Many have sought refuge in churches like St. Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church, where 260 Christians have been sheltering for over a year. Tragically, even these sanctuaries have proven unsafe; an October 2023 bombing killed 18 Christians when part of the church collapsed. At least 30 Christians have died due to the ongoing violence.
The suffering in Gaza is universal, with all residents enduring severe shortages of food, water, and medicine. Electricity is scarce, available only for a few hours daily, and destruction across the city is extensive. Roads, utilities, markets, and historic buildings have been devastated, leaving the population in dire need.
Amid this turmoil, organizations like Open Doors are supporting Christians through financial aid for essential supplies and providing trauma and spiritual care. Despite the challenges, Christian communities strive to maintain faith and routine. Morning prayers, shared meals, and community activities help sustain hope in the midst of adversity.
One young Christian sheltering in Gaza finds solace in Psalm 23:1, “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want,” recounting a moment of divine protection when he narrowly escaped a bombing. He and others pray fervently for an end to the bloodshed and the restoration of their city.
Prayer
Lord, we pray for the Christians in Gaza. Protect them, bring peace to their land, and restore hope and healing to all who suffer. Amen.
Bible Verse
The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call out to Him in truth. Psalm 145:18
