Slideshow image

 Lord, Hear Our Prayers for Ukraine   AWANA Ukraine began serving churches, children, and families in 1992. Over the past 30 years it has grown into our most vibrant and influential ministry in Europe. AWANA Ukraine partners with 548 churches, reaching and discipling more than 25,000 children across Ukraine every week. The regional office there also supports the ministry of AWANA in 10 other countries.   

On February 24, Russia launched a full-scale invasion in Ukraine. Our hearts are heavy for the children of Ukraine, for our Christian brothers and sisters there, for our church partners and for our 11 Ukrainian families on staff with AWANA. We are in regular contact with our leadership there to discern how best to help them. Some of our families closest to the fighting have already had to flee their homes and church families, and one family is sending their children to another country for safety. We also have missionary families with adult children who are being called up to fight in defense of Ukraine.   

As the war intensifies, the situation appears dire. We do not know the long-term impact on the nation or our ministry, but we do know God is in control. We trust in the Lord, and we know He is close to the brokenhearted. We call out to Him to hear our prayers, to protect His children and heal their land. We invite you to join us in prayer for the following requests:  

Our Prayers for Ukraine For peace. Lord, we pray that You would end the current conflict with Russia and restore peace for all of Ukraine.   

For kids in AWANA clubs. May the oldest to the very youngest of those who have put their trust in You, Jesus, be filled with your Holy Spirit to pray and share their Gospel hope with family and neighbors during this crisis.   

For Christian leaders. May the adult Christ-followers in the country boldly share their faith where you have placed them. May they be bold fighting on the front lines, bold in the hospitals where they care for the injured, bold in places of refuge, and bold in their communities. May they declare the Gospel in the face of strong opposition.  

AWANA staff and their families. We ask You, God, to provide protection and resources for those who are relocating, for those staying behind and for those who have been called to join the military. May they know Your presence, care, and sufficiency for whatever they face.   

All Ukrainians. As basic supplies run out in the country, we ask for Your provision. May those supplying humanitarian aid safely make it to those in need. May Ukrainians freely give to one another what they do have and may there be an outpouring of Your love as bordering countries welcome in refugees.  

World leaders. As world leaders respond to the crisis, we pray for them to have discernment, to stand together in unity against aggression and turn to You, God, for help.  

Our hearts. May we remember that our hope is in You. You have each of us on this Earth for such a time as this. We want to be Your hands and feet to our brothers and sisters in Ukraine and to bear each other’s burdens. We give You thanks for all You are doing and will do through us.