The Ukraine Crisis and What We Can Do
Ukraine is currently in a state of crisis as Russian forces have invaded the country in the largest attack in Europe since World War II.
The attack has created a major humanitarian crisis as civilians have been caught in the crossfires. More than 1.5 million people have fled their homes to neighboring countries and beyond. Women, children, and the elderly have been left without electricity and heat.
We may feel helpless as we watch the death and devastation coming out of Ukraine. Many may ask, “how can we help?”
Patriot Mobile is a Christian company. We donate a portion of every dollar we earn to support Christian organizations that spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. One of the ministries we have closely partnered with is Eastern European Mission (EEM). And as God would have it, EEM is now uniquely positioned to provide the humanitarian help the Ukrainian refugees so desperately need.
EEM is a nonprofit organization that publishes, prints, and distributes Bibles and Bible-based materials to over 30 countries in over 20 languages through a vast network of partner churches and organizations. EEM was founded in 1961 by missionaries who answered God’s call to take his Word to the people under the rule of the Soviet Union. While the world was sleeping, EEM has been in Ukraine for decades, faithfully providing God’s word to the Ukrainians.
In fact, they have given hundreds of thousands of Bibles to Ukrainians. They have been so effective that two thirds of public schools in Ukraine have requested and received Bibles! Globally, EEM distributes more than a million Bibles every year—and the number continues to grow.
Through its network of trusted ministry partners on the frontlines of the war, the EEM team has been able to step into the crisis to deliver emergency aid. They are tirelessly working to provide shelter, food, and medical care to thousands in Ukraine and bordering countries. The ministry promises 100% of the funds donated will go towards providing humanitarian aid for this crisis, without overhead or processing fees.
In addition to urgent requests for humanitarian relief, requests for Bibles in Russian and Ukrainian are soaring! Even before the crisis, the requests for Bibles were high – with too many requests to fulfill annually. In the face of war, the hunger for God’s word in Eastern Europe has only increased! The EEM team is on the ground in the area with the opportunity to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of the Ukrainians.
Because of EEM’s unique position and long history in Eastern Europe, its perspective on the crisis is immensely valuable.
“This war is tragic, but we have the opportunity to be the light and salt God has called us to be,” said EEM Vice President Dirk Smith. “God, as we have always seen, will cause spiritual strength and blessing to come from evil. This is a spiritual battle and we must fight it spiritually. Thank you for praying with us and please continue to be in prayer daily for the people of Ukraine and Russia, as well as those in other nations working to aid the refugees.”
Indeed, the leadership team encourages us to PRAY.
Pray 1 Timothy 2:1-2 over the region: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
Pray for the leaders of all nations, remembering that our battle is not against flesh and blood. As Ephesians 6:12 reminds us: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
EEM gives us these specific prayer points:
