Blog Politics Don't Forget Russia

While we focus on Ukraine and what they are going through, it is easy to forget about the needs of the Russian people. Putin never consulted the citizens on whether or not they wanted him to go to war and try to take over Ukraine. Some citizens are courageous enough to protest. 

But Russia has a long history of ignoring its own people or simply cutting them down when certain segments prove rebellious. While we pray for the believers in Ukraine, let us not forget the 87% or so in Russia who claim to be believers.

While the Russian constitution gives lip service to freedom of religion, there is a specific law making Christianity unconstitutional. Those caught sharing their faith may not ever be heard from again, or they are made an example of. Those attending the elegant stained-glass churches, those still open for services, are mainly attended by the elderly who are left alone if that is all the attenders do.

Christians meet in secret, behind closed doors, and in unexpected locations. They move often and meet in small groups. But they do find ways to communicate and meet. Even the decades and decades of repression hasn’t managed to stamp out Christianity nor has repression managed to stop the sharing of the Christian message of hope.

The church may be hiding and underground, but it is real and thriving--despite persecution, despite the risk. When we pray, let us not turn anger at what the Russian government is doing onto its citizens. Instead, let us pray for them as fervently as we pray for our Christian brothers and sisters in Ukraine. The key to change is fervent and serious, believing, prayer. Let’s pray.

(c) 2022 Carolyn R Scheidies
Feel free to share

Blog Russia, Ukraine and Prayer

Right now everyone is concerned about Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Many of us have read requests for prayers for missionaries--some who feel called to stay, some even with families, while others feel called to leave. Both have proved difficult. Leaving is not that easy.

Staying means-who-knows-what danger. Ukraine has been a country that has a high Christian population, While there are many different religions represented, according to a survey by Razumkov Centre in 2018, 71.7% of Ukraine citizens claim to be believers. This includes Orthodox, Catholics, and Protestants. Many are not only believers.

These persons of faith firmly believe in sharing their faith and have been active in sending missionaries to other countries. They follow Matthew 28: 18-20 NKJV. “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “...Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” 

It is no wonder the evil one wants to shut them down. But as Christians, we have power in Jesus. Let us support Ukrainian Christians and other citizens by getting serious with prayer.

Let’s not simply throw a quick word of safety. Let us take time to pray in Jesus’ name for the needs of those who are being attacked. Pray for citizens. Pray for Christians and missionaries. Pray for wisdom and weapons for those fighting.

As you pray think and listen to and allow the Holy Spirit to show you how best to pray. Support our brothers and sisters in Ukraine with prayer. 

© 2022 Carolyn R Scheidies
Feel free to share