Support for Ukraine
Responses to the War in Ukraine
by Diane Armbrust
Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine an estimated 3 million people have fled the country, seeking refuge in neighboring countries including Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Moldova. There are major humanitarian concerns for both internally displaced people and refugees. Many Ukrainians fleeing their homes need shelter and such basic necessities as food, water and toiletries. Pastoral and psychological support is also needed to address the trauma they’ve endured.
As Lutherans, we are fortunate to have two trusted organizations that marshal the strength of Lutherans across the U.S. to respond with compassion to humanitarian disasters such as this one: Lutheran World Relief, an independent non-profit organization made up of U.S. Lutherans, and Lutheran Disaster Response, a ministry of the ELCA of which we are a member. By responding to either of these organizations, you can rest assured that your donation will reach those in need in the most efficient and effective way possible.
Lutheran World Relief
Thanks to the generosity of Nelsonville Lutheran Church and Peace Lutheran Church in Amherst, WI — and congregations across the country — an April 25 deadline for matching donations to Lutheran World Relief has already been met! Over $422,000 in matching donations. The generosity of Lutherans across the United States and around the world is incredible. LWR’s on the ground staff in the region is providing food, shelter, and emergency funds for refugees. It also expects to support critical health needs through the provision of medical supplies or support for emergency medical services. The initial shipment of LWR Mission Quilts and Personal Care Kits should be arriving soon.
ELCA Lutheran Disaster Response
Lutheran Disaster Response is accompanying our Lutheran companion churches in Ukraine, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Romania as well as such ecumenical partners as Lutheran World Federation and Church World Service, in their humanitarian responses to the crisis. These partners are distributing food, bedding, and hygiene items, and providing pastoral care, as well as assisting Roma communities and other foreign nationals. Gifts to LDR European Crisis Response can be made online at ELCA.org/disaster.
Ways to Assist Those Impacted by War in Ukraine
For those of you who have the means and desire to give financially to support organizations providing direct aid to those impacted by the war in Ukraine, here are some organizations for your consideration. This is by no means an exhaustive list and you are invited to do your own research before giving.
When Tragedy Strikes...
When a tragic event occurs, like the war in Ukraine, our natural tendency is to want to help. Yet we often don’t know how to help, leading us to feel helpless. When this occurs, we often find ourselves scrolling through social media feeds for more information or avidly watching the news or reading news articles. In doing these things we feel a little more connected with the tragedy.
Here are some other options for ways to be intentionally engaged and provide help for those impacted by tragedy:
Turn off the news or stop scrolling
This is counterintuitive and yet it creates space for us to be fully present with our bodies and our feelings. It is okay to watch, read or scroll social media for news; but, be mindful and aware of its impact on your body.
Be still. Pause—take some time to lean into stillness and quiet.
Light a candle. A candle can help us focus our heart and mind especially when they seem to be going a mile a minute.
Go outside. Getting into God’s creation can help you feel connected to something greater than yourself. The moon and the sun we see are the same moon and sun that the people in Ukraine see. We are connected.
Say a prayer. There are no rules to prayer. Maybe it is singing a verse of your favorite song. Perhaps it is a chant—Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy is a great option when you don’t have the words to speak.
If you have the means and desire to give financially…
Research what is needed. Without care, sometimes our good intentions can lead to waste.
Consider organizations that are local to the tragedy. This will get the most money to the people who need it the most.
If local is not an option, look for organizations that are specifically addressing the needs you have researched.
Litany for Ukraine
God, we are heartbroken for our Ukrainian siblings
For all who are suffering,
For all who are displaced,
For all who are fighting,
For all who are dying,
For all who are fearful,
For all who are resolute,
For all who feel hopeless.
We are sad and sick at heart
That war has once again been waged on innocents, on anyone.
We lament and mourn this tragedy
And commit to lending our strength and love to those in the fight,
Even as we ask for all bloodshed to cease.
As Christ has shamed violence, so do we.
We ask for a quick resolution to this war and an end to this invasion.
We ask for peace and safety for all Ukrainians.
We ask for wise and bold leaders who are clever, creative, and committed to the good of all.
We ask for peace on the European continent.
We ask for, and enact with our bodies, a world where war and aggression are never an option.
We ask for true justice and peace to reign over all the earth.
Thwart the bloodthirsty and power-hungry, God.
Deny the greedy.
Lay waste to the plans of the wicked.
Confuse the minds of evil-doers.
Somehow, we know we must love Ukraine’s enemy with them.
Somehow, we must tap into the compassion of God for these invaders.
Somehow, we know we must embody the peace and forgiveness of Christ.
Somehow, we must not let evil win the day. Help us.
Oh God, war brings us to the very ends our ourselves
The edges of our own humanity;
It takes us so far that we have no choice but to remember our divinity, our Imago Dei,
If we are to continue in Love at all.
Christ left his peace with us,
Now let humanity take hold of it. Amen
©Fran Prattfranpratt.com Used with permission
