by Gary Munson

On Thursday, February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine.  This war has affected almost everyone around the world.  In my discussions with Patrick and Mervis Readson, Disciplers International (DI) supported missionaries in Malawi, they mentioned how the war in Ukraine has caused shortages of goods and affected price increases on what goods are available in Malawi.  For those of us in the USA, we seem to be aware of the war in Ukraine only if we happen to hear about it on the news.  It is heartbreaking for me to see what is going on over there, especially since I have lived in both Russia and Ukraine.  I experienced first-hand the destructiveness of war during my deployment to Iraq when I was in the Army.  It is heart-rending to see innocent civilians being maimed and killed as a result of another country’s political gain.

But the war in Ukraine is not an isolated incident in our world.  Across the globe there is ongoing strife and violence over religious beliefs and varying political ideologies, not only in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Malawi, but also at home in America.

The picture on the left was recently taken at a protest in the DRC.  The M23 rebels had taken over a city on the border with Uganda, 100 km (roughly 62 miles) from Goma, where DI missionaries Flavien and Naomi Muderhwa live.  The DRC government considers the M23 rebels as invaders.  The people in the photo were on the border with Rwanda protesting Rwanda believing the country is supporting the rebels in the DRC.

The picture on the right was taken at a protest in Malawi where the people were demanding to have new elections or to have the current government step down.

Just watching the news, the whole world seems to be in turmoil, from global pandemics to military conflicts.  Although these events are unsettling, we should not be surprised.  Jesus told his disciples, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation.  But take heart; I have overcome the world.”  (John 16:33)

As we pray for the people of Ukraine, pray also for our brothers and sisters in Malawi, DRC, and around the world, keeping in mind the words of Luke 6:35: “Love your enemies, and do good, and lend expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men."

Dear God, it is only through you we have true peace.  It is only through Jesus, your son, Yeshua, that we have life.  As your disciples, help us to live on mission for you and make your Glory the singular passion in our life.