Ukraine update 9 March
Having travelled to a place of relative safely, our people in mission sent us this update:
We are in a safe place, where we can pray and support those who are still in great danger. Some people just stay here a night or two, while others stay and help. Each day we take it in turns to pray either all night or for a couple of hours during the night and day. We are also taking shifts serve in the kitchen and cleaning. Some are involved in coordinating travel and collecting those who now need to leave. The rest of the time we gather for worship and share what God is revealing to us. We are very grateful for this warm home.
We were still able to mark International Women’s Day – our brothers surprised the women in the group last night with growing tulips as a sign of life and hope, tangerines and a little chocolate. This was especially valued in the midst of so much suffering.
Pray for our people in mission as they seek to bless others. Pray for their ongoing safety and for all those whose lives have been turned upside down through this war.
Latest prayer news
Lebanon focus
We are currently running an appeal for Christians in Lebanon who are responding to people in crisis all around them. Our partners are supporting people in need with emergency food packs, blankets, medicine and more, as well as providing trauma support and investing in long-term discipleship. Pray for people to turn to Jesus during this
Colombia: earthquake
An earthquake in western Colombia on Monday has killed at least 265 people, and another 500 are still missing. Pray for comfort for all those who have lost loved ones and homes, and for the country as a whole as they rebuild following this tragedy.
DR Congo: Ebola outbreak escalating
DR Congo’s Ebola death toll has jumped from 1,500 to 2,000 in the space of a week and the current outbreak is on track to be worse than the 2014–2016 outbreak (which killed more than 11,000 people). CMS partners in DR Congo write, “Pray for protection and healing for communities affected by the Ebola outbreak.
Middle East: preparing to return
Mission partners J and R are currently on home leave in the UK, visiting churches and spending time with family. Pray for a restful time, and for them to be able to return to the Middle East as scheduled towards the end of October.
Rwanda: the growing church
Praise God for exciting progress in Rwanda: the recent ordination of three pastors and five deacons earlier this month, ongoing construction of a new cathedral, and a new phase of Biblical Education by Extension (BEE) teaching just begun for several people from different Anglican dioceses across the country. Pray for Christians across Rwanda to continue
UK: preparation for festivals
Two teams from the CMS office are preparing to represent the organisation at Greenbelt and Big Church Festival over the August bank holiday weekend. Pray for plans for transport and other practicalities to come together. If you are going to be at one of these festivals, please do come and say hello!