UK churches mark two-year anniversary of lockdown
Churches across the UK have marked the second anniversary of the first Covid-19 lockdown with walls of reflection and remembrance in cathedrals and churches as people brought photos, prayers and memories to honour those who have died. Cathedrals and other landmarks across the country have lighted up their buildings in yellow as a sign of support. The Bishop of London, chair of the UK Commission on Bereavement, said, ‘I recall how helpless so many people, including myself, felt in the early days of the pandemic, surrounded by constant reminders of the magnitude of loss being experienced across the country. Today is a day to reflect, pause and remember those we have lost over the past two years and pray for the millions bereaved during the pandemic.’
Ukraine: church believes for miracles
Ukraine’s Christians are praying for God's protection, peace, and His will to be done, seeking Him in churches, bomb shelters, and homes. They are believing for miracles, healing and the supernatural presence of God to manifest itself powerfully throughout Ukraine. There is such faith being exercised, with crying out to God, as shown on videos, that some wonder if the presence and glory of God will become so pervasive that Russian soldiers will kneel down and repent on the battlefield, while Ukrainians extend grace, forgiveness and mercy, showing the love of Christ. In the midst of trial and war, the church is singing. It is standing against the wave of evil, bringing a standard of righteousness and holiness in the midst of calamity. Worship and prayer, spiritual warfare tools, are cutting through the darkness and joining brothers and sisters in Christ worldwide.
Prayer for the Russian people
Pray that the Russian people learn the full truth about the war in Ukraine. Their main source of information comes from state-owned television. There is an increasing awareness of being lied to among the younger people who are active in social media. Truth sets free, and it can set alight a resistance against this war that Putin cannot ignore. Pray for Russian mothers! Sooner or later, the truth about the rising number of Russian casualties must come out. In 1994, after Chechnya tried to gain independence from Russia, the ‘Committee of Soldiers’ Mothers’ opposed the senseless and bloody war and went into the battle zone to confront and negotiate with the military. Many soldiers were released to return home. The Ukrainian government has already called the Russian mothers to come and collect their captured sons. God can raise up the mothers in Russia, once more, as instruments of peace.
Russians in Ukraine kidnap missionary
Orphan's Promise has ministered to the needs of tens of thousands of people across Ukraine for many years. Valentina is an Orphan's Promise aid worker; when Russian troops arrived and learned that she was helping the Ukrainians they kidnapped her. Orphan's Promise provides food and shelter to desperate Ukrainians and shares Jesus with them. Valentina’s team evacuates women, children, the sick and elderly from hot spots. While under fire they drive to bakeries, also working under fire, and deliver bread to hungry people while also providing them with spiritual food. Valentina's friends and colleagues are very concerned for her safety, asking Christians to pray that she will not be tortured and will be released soon. Pray also for all those bringing urgent humanitarian aid to areas which have faced countless air strikes and are now occupied by Russian forces.
