War in Ukraine: how to connect and help

Our hearts are with Ukrainians, Russians, and many others in our own community who are traumatized by the war right now. Know that we at Chapel Hill are already deeply connected and sending support in multiple ways.

In Eastern Europe

Through our very own Doug Burleigh, we have been spreading news of Jesus in Ukraine, every region of Russia, and every former Soviet republic, for many years. Christians in both nations, close associates with whom he is in touch, are horrified by the invasion, emboldened in faith, and mobilized to serve victims right now. Our gift of $50,000 is specifically helping evacuees through Doug’s network: transporting vulnerable children to Poland with child protection leader Mykola Kuleba, meeting basic needs at the Romania border through Baptist leader Paul Negrut, and leading a base in Hungary through Kyiv pastor Vlad Agapov.

Through EPC World Outreach, our denomination’s global workers in Ukraine, Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic are mobilizing immediate emergency relief. Our gift of $50,000 is helping Christian leaders in sensitive areas focused on those with least access to the gospel. To join the weekly prayer with those ministering in the region, 8:00 am Thursday mornings, contact Cara Taylor, ctaylor@chapelhillpc.org.

Many of our members work for World Vision, or volunteer and support their excellent work responding in this crisis.

Refugees in Washington

Chapel Hill’s local partner, World Relief Seattle, has helped resettle more than 2,100 Ukrainian refugees here since the 2014 Crimea invasion. Internationally, World Relief is networked on the ground right now helping the millions fleeing for their lives. They bring Christ-centered expertise and integrity to surround whole families in terrifying circumstances with a warm welcome. Our gift of $50,000 is helping at major refugee corridors as well as resourcing local churches to respond appropriately.

Advocacy in Government

U.S. policies affect the movement of Ukrainian nationals inside our borders and the opportunity for those in crisis to come here to continue their studies or work in safety. Our denomination is part of a network for biblical witness that makes petitioning on urgent issues easy and effective if you feel called to do so.

Accessing Information

Geopolitical events are alarming and confusing. World Relief answers frequently asked questions here. To understand dynamics of the religious, historical, and political forces involved, see faith-based reporting from a regional expert.

United in Prayer

Prayer is powerful. This crisis is gathering many to pray like never before. Followers of Jesus in every nation, across evangelicalism and orthodoxy, are trusting in God and displaying his love. And those who don’t yet know him will get a glimpse in our attitudes and our actions.

Praise the Lord Jesus for his reign and pray it would be known in the nations (Psalm 2; Psalm 46:10; Isaiah 9:6-7; Matt. 28:18)

Pray against the spiritual forces of evil at work behind all that is going on (Psalm 82; 2 Cor. 10:4-5; Eph. 6:12)

Pray for peace among nations and the end of oppression (Psalm 36:9; Isaiah 2:4; Hosea 2:18)

Pray for a change in heart for a wicked, violent leader (Ezra 6:22; Prov. 21:1; Daniel 4:35)

Pray for the removal of evil leaders and establishment of good ones (Psalm 59:5; 109:8; Prov. 29:2; Daniel 2:21)

Lament the devastations and loss of life (Psalm 137; Lamentations; Ezekiel 33:11)

Pray that many lives would be spared (Gen. 18:22-32; 45:5; Num. 35:33)

Pray that borders will be honored (Deut. 27:17; Prov. 22:28)

Pray for God to redeem suffering, to take what wicked people meant for evil and turn it for good (Gen. 50:20; Rom. 8:28)

Pray for the safety of evacuees and refugees (Leviticus 19:33-34; Prov. 31:8-9; Matt. 25:35)

Pray for the salvation of all in Ukraine and Russia (Psalm 67; Ezekiel 11:19-20; Acts 26:18; Rom. 10:1)

Pray for the strength, faithfulness, comfort, and witness of the church (Jeremiah 29:7; Matt. 5:16; Rom. 1:8-10; 2 Cor. 1:3-7; 2:14-16; Col. 1:3-14)

Pray for wisdom for world leaders involved, particularly our own (2 Chronicles 1:10; Prov. 8:12-16; 1 Tim. 2:1-2)