Dear friends,
The unfolding crisis in Ukraine is utterly devastating. And as with other major humanitarian disasters, I find myself tempted to respond in two ways. Either I read all the news and get bogged down in a state of depression and hopelessness or I push the news aside and numb myself to the suffering of others.
But as Christians, we know there’s another way. We can stay informed and not lose hope that God is bringing about the restoration of all things, despite what our eyes can see. And we can partner with Him by giving generously, small as our gifts may be, expecting God to multiply our offerings.
We can also pray, as feeble as our faith may be, and trust that God hears and will act. Today, I am praying Psalm 10. May it be an encouragement to you as well.
Why does the wicked renounce God and say in his heart, “You will not call to account”? But you do see, for you note mischief and vexation, that you may take it into your hands; to you the helpless commits himself; you have been the helper of the fatherless.
Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer; call his wickedness to account till you find none.
The Lord is king forever and ever; the nations perish from his land. O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.
Trusting in the God of all comfort,
Molly Stawarz
Pastor of Outreach
Restoration is sending financial support to the following organizations. If you are looking for a place to make a personal contribution, these would be a great place to start.
Joseph Fund of ARDF
Empowering the local church
Restoration is a monthly contributor to the Joseph Fund for Disaster Relief, a proactive resource available for communities experiencing crisis, whether war, disease, or environmental catastrophe. Believing that the local church is often in the best position to respond, this fund empowers people on the ground to bring food, volunteer labor, and rebuilding supplies to communities in need.
NOVO
On the ground in Ukraine
NOVO is the parent organization of Restoration's supported ministry partner, InnerCHANGE. Their team in Ukraine has been preparing for a crisis like this for several months and are in good shape to care for the thousands arriving in their city looking for help. They have a stockpile of material resources, a good facility, and a large ministry team for an outreach project unlike they’ve ever done before. They are providing food, accommodation, counseling, and prayer to those who are literally fleeing the missiles.
Bethany International
Supporting refugees in Hungary
Bethany International is a local missions training and sending organization. Restoration recently supported the Bolt family while they completed their Bethany internship in Kenya and several Restoration members work at Bethany's headquarters in Bloomington. Bethany's team in Hungary is working to bring hope and material aid to Ukrainian refugees. Hungary is seeing more than 20,000 refugees coming in per day and this team is working with local churches to feed, house, and clothe them.
