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Ukrainians and Americans ������ʷ in Washington DC for Prayer

The war in Ukraine rages on. The devastation is unimaginable.  Families are displaced.  Pastors and church leaders are overwhelmed.  The threat to freedom is very real.

In the midst of the ongoing chaos of war, what an incredible blessing to witness a gathering of nearly a thousand Ukrainian, American, and other national leaders, all converging on Washington DC, for Ukrainian Week – a focus on Prayer and Mutual Encouragement!

With various events held at the Washington Hilton, and the Museum of the Bible, all a stone’s throw from the U.S. Capitol Building, we had an amazing opportunity to network with front line Ukrainian soldiers, evangelical leaders from Ukraine, various organizational leaders serving in Ukraine, and some amazing church leaders from Korea! 

For me, the highlight was the Ukrainian Prayer Breakfast.  Modeled after the Annual National Prayer Breakfast in Washington DC, the Ukrainian Prayer Breakfast this past February 2, moved me and hundreds of others to tears.  We heard the Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S. share scripture and pray for Ukraine and the U.S.  Several U.S. Congressmen shared their love for Jesus and Ukraine, while praying for the many who have experienced tragedy from war.  The Chaplain to the U.S. House of Representatives prayed over the nation of Ukraine, and shared encouragement from Scripture. Admiral Barry Black, Chaplain to the U.S. Senate, spoke powerfully and issued a call to Prayer and Fasting for Ukraine, reminding us that our Hope, ultimately,  is in our all-powerful God.

At this nearly week-long gathering, I’ve never seen such a focused and fervent emphasis on Prayer.  It was really humbling and convicting. 

������ʷ’s involvement with Ukrainian churches spans more than three decades. God has used ������ʷ’s long-standing Ukrainian church partnerships and unprecedented war-time generosity to help resource perhaps the strongest movement of people coming to Christ throughout the global North in our lifetime!  ������ʷ MidAtlantic helped to lead this partnership effort, formerly called “Love Lift for Ukraine”.

Now, ������ʷ is entering into a new phase of partnership with Ukraine and the evangelical church in this amazing country.  A great need exists especially for developing church-to-church partnerships focused on new church plants and raising up a new generation of Pastors.  We anticipate opportunities for engagement in Ukraine in various ways in the coming weeks and months.  Right now, one of our biggest efforts is to PRAY for Ukraine!

������ʷ has been asked to join with evangelical Christians in Ukraine by focusing on Prayer and Fasting through the remainder of 2024.  Some of our leaders are committing a day (or part of a day) each week to Pray and Fast for Ukraine.  Some are gathering for a monthly Zoom Prayer Meeting.  Many are praying in their homes and churches for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.

A “������ʷ for Ukraine” Leadership Team has been meeting regularly now, comprised of Pastor Rob Paterson (New Hope Church, Loudonville, OH), Jim Capaldo (Regional President for ������ʷ Heartland), Bob Marsh (������ʷ International Missions Leader), Rick Post (President of Potential Endeavors), and myself.  If you, or your church have any interest in mission involvement in Ukraine, please let us know.

For more information, please contact Dan@convergemidatlantic.com.  Again, thanks in advance for PRAYING.

Dan Peterson

“������ʷ for Ukraine” Prayer Coordinator

������ʷ MidAtlantic Executive Minister Emeritus