Good News from Ukraine for a Change
For the first time ever, all the Churches of Ukraine came together for a National Day of Prayer for their war-torn nation and for peace. It was attended by thousands of people and Church leaders at the National Sports Palace in Kiev, Capital of Ukraine and broadcast ‘live’ by 3 national TV channels
Church representatives included Protestant, Catholic, Ukrainian and Russian Orthodox. An especially enthusiastic welcome was given to Church leaders from East Ukraine and the nation’s Messianic Jewish Community Leader. A far cry from a media image of politicians fighting in Parliament, Russian tanks, corruption, economic stagnation and a civil airliner being shot out of the sky!
They sang hymns to Jesus Christ together, reciting a bold declaration, asking God to unite their nation, where corrupt leaders failed. Church people lined up to pray, asking God to stop the fighting, remove the tanks and bring peace. Each prayed in their own tradition, before uniting behind their Bible Society leader, praying for a miracle to rebuild Ukraine upon the Bible, which they all have in common. It shows, when all else fails, desperate people turn to God
The event was called by British evangelist, David Hathaway – little publicised in the UK, but almost a household name in Ukraine. He has ‘Form’ in this area, after he called prayer conferences in Germany in 1988 and 1989, attended by thousands of people, from East and West, to pray for the Berlin Wall to come down. People suggested the Rev Hathaway might be mad, until the whole Iron Curtain came down shortly afterwards. Then, people stopped such criticisms
Ukraine’s first ever National Prayer conference concluded, not with prayers for Ukraine, but for Russia and Mr Putin. Thousands of Ukrainians, praying for Russia and President Putin is extraordinary! The Ukraine problem is that their history, culture and language are closer to Russia than any other, on Earth. For Russia, their foundation and precious Orthodox Church come from the ‘Rus’ – in what is now Ukraine. Their leaders and ancestors are buried there. For Russia, Ukraine is in the blood. For Ukraine, Russia is in the blood. Even Mr Putin’s first name – Vladimir comes from the Ukraine, 1,000 years ago
The prayer meeting will be a turning point. The two Presidents will be mindful of this. As the EU tries social engineering and expansion, it can’t afford to pay, in Ukraine, so the currency keeps falling. The driving force is economic. War brings poverty. Both need reconciliation and restoring their mutual economies, especially as Russia argues with Turkey. For Ukraine and Russia, forgiving and reconciliation will be a miracle. Maybe, only God and prayers can deliver that…
More information and/or interviews may be obtained from the organisers:
Eurovision/Hathaway of Dewsbury in England Tel 0044 1924 465 326
Website: www.propheticvision.org.uk Email: uk@ propheticvision.org.uk
Gareth Littler
