On February 24th, 2022, a full-scale invasion of Ukraine was launched by Vladimir Putin of Russia. War brings death, destruction, displacement, and every category of suffering with it. Over 40 million Ukrainians are suffering the crushing effects of war, children are experiencing life-altering trauma, and many families are being separated from the ones they love. Entire cities are going underground numerous times each day and night to seek cover from seemingly endless shelling and bombing.

Guidelight’s international ministry started in Ukraine in 2012 and has grown deep roots among her people. We have loved and served her people with the gospel for ten years. We will continue to serve, support, and provide biblical encouragement in Ukraine.

We stand with the Ukrainian people.

There are ways to support currently, though the situation on the ground is quite complex. All practical needs will be determined through local ministry partners and churches in Ukraine. At this time we will focus on the following needs:

• Food

• Medicine & Medical Supplies

• Water

• Transport or movement of people & foods

Particular focus will be on families and individuals with special needs, as well as orphan institutions lacking adequate caregiving supplies. We will continue to be committed to the long-term, gospel-centred support of Ukraine.

We have been working hard to ascertain accurate details and information on the people involved in our ministries. The difficulty of these days is compounded by the fluidity of this crisis. This is a complex event, one with many layers we must consider. Though the media has been able to capture some of the atrocities of this invasion, it has not captured the sheer magnitude of destruction to life, home, and even whole villages.

This information has been reported first-hand to Guidelight staff as people in the war zone communicate the tragic news.

The current events are still unstable and are likely to unexpectedly change hour-by-hour, minute-by-minute. As the situation continues to unfold we will have a better understanding of the best ways to deploy our resources. At this point in time, our main concerns are with the people on the ground, still in harm’s way. Currently, we are offering spiritual and relational care, coordinating movements, and assessing current needs in order to meet the most urgent.

Due to the depth of the cyber monitoring, we are carefully navigating all of this communication in a way that protects the security of our dear friends. We are confident as the days unfold we will have a much clearer picture of the immensity of this crisis and the response that is needed. As needs are revealed and ministry opportunities continue to develop, we will strive to keep you as informed as possible, so you can know how best to partner with us in this work.

Prayer Request:

We can all pray and intercede for the Ukrainian people.

Of course, we pray for peace and resolution, but we can pray in other ways as well.

• Pray for Ukraine’s 7 million children living through war.

• Pray for the over 4 million refugees who have fled Ukraine.

• Pray for the thousands of children and adults residing in institutions to have their basic needs met.

• Pray for peace for families who have children with special needs.

• Pray for the protection of the elderly who may not have the strength or mobility to respond to every air raid siren or access to needed medication.

• Pray for the Ukrainians who have lost loved ones and family members.

• Pray for peace in the hearts of believers.

• Pray for the church in Ukraine to advance the Gospel light in the darkness of war.