Updates and a renewed call for prayer over conflict between Ukraine, Russia

On Feb. 28, General Brian Peddle called for renewed prayer over the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. An official release from The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters is as follows:

Speaking over the weekend, he said: ‘I am asking all Salvationists and other Christian friends to join in prayer for the situation in Europe. You will all understand that I am deeply concerned for our established expression of the Salvation Army mission in Russia and Ukraine.

‘I have been in touch with our leaders and I have given them our assurance of support on behalf of our international family. The Salvation Army is oversighted from our office in Moldova, where Colonel Kelvin Pethybridge serves as the leader for the Eastern Europe Territory along with his team.

‘He notes, "the theme for mission this year is ‘Faith and Courage' and our officers and soldiers are living that out even in the midst of war. They are already serving, feeding and sheltering people and have mobilized to give practical and spiritual support to those in need". The colonel notes they are claiming the words of Psalm 46.'

Psalm 46 opens with the words: ‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.'

The General offered some particular points around which to focus prayer, saying: ‘Please pray for peace in this troubled time; pray for the safety of those who are fleeing and for those who are already displaced; pray that there will be adequate hospitality from neighbor countries; pray for faith and courage for every Christian and especially for our officers and soldiers; pray for the de-escalation of the battle so that the threat to life is no longer a reality; and pray that leaders will find a way to dialogue and find a peaceful decision.'

In 2022, The Salvation Army is active across the globe and serving in 136 countries, offering hope to those in need and serving in Jesus’ name without discrimination. The Salvation Army is serving those impacted and displaced by the crisis, with a handful of countries spotlighted here.

Ukraine – In various locations across Ukraine, The Salvation Army is responding to the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) by providing urgently needed food and hygiene items.

Romania – The Salvation Army has formed an emergency team and is on the way to the border to offer support to refugees seeking support in Romania.

Moldova – The Salvation Army provides free assistance to refugees from Ukraine, including temporary accommodation, hot meals and drinks, access to Wi-Fi, and other necessary items.

Poland – The Salvation Army is currently preparing relief parcels for Ukrainian refugees coming into the country. The Salvation Army’s International Emergency Services leads from International Headquarters will travel to Poland in a couple of days to work with the colleagues on the ground on a strategic plan for the response.

Russia – To date, there are over 60,000 displaced people in the southern part of Russia. The Salvation Army responds to their needs by providing food, hygiene, and other relief items.

Slovakia – A plan of action in preparation for accommodation, material needs, and emotional support has been formulated. An emergency response team consisting of representatives from Slovakia and Czech Republic has commenced and will meet together regularly.

Czech Republic – Czech Republic is already home to some 200,000 Ukrainians and therefore anticipates many refugees will seek support from family and friends in Czech Republic. The Salvation Army has available capacity in the existing social services in the Czech Republic to stand ready to provide support without impacting the existing client base.

Domestic donations can be made at https://salarmy.us/ukrainecrisis, with 100 percent of designated gifts used in support of those affected by the disaster.

In addition, the latest efforts of The Salvation Army can be monitored in a central online location here. Social media platforms of The Salvation Army World Service Office (SAWSO) will also update frequently at Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.