8 March 2022
The daily scenes of people in Ukraine facing the terrors of war and risking their lives to flee their country are devastating. The UN has announced that two million people have now fled into neighbouring countries. We are praying for each one of them, as well as those left behind. In preparation for people arriving in the UK from Ukraine, Welcome Churches has today launched ukrainewelcome.org. The website provides valuable information in English, Ukrainian and Russian for people arriving in the UK from Ukraine to help them settle and connect with a community, to be welcomed and receive the help and support they need. It includes practical information such as accessing a GP, finding a school and how to connect with a local church community. We are hoping that many Ukrainians will access the website to find support and that you can also share the website with Ukrainian people that you meet in the coming months. We are joining with the rest of the Church across the UK in prayer for the people of Ukraine and Russia at this time. We know that the UK Church is ready to offer a Welcome to all who may come to the UK. “She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.” Proverbs 31:20. What can I do? It is devastating that we are once again faced with conflict and mass migration of refugees. Our Welcome Network of over 750 churches is committed and ready to provide a welcome to all refugees and those seeking asylum, whether they are from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Syria or any other nation affected by tragedy. If your church is not yet part of our network, join today so that your church is equipped and ready to provide a Welcome and so that those using our Welcome Network will be able to find your church. Please also share ukrainewelcome.org on social media and with those you know who are connecting with Ukrainians coming to the UK. We want them to know that the UK Church is here for them, praying for them and ready to Welcome them. It is such a privilege to be part of God’s Church here in the UK, ready and equipped to welcome all those seeking refuge in our communities. Thank you for standing with us. God bless, Sue Bulter Joint CEO with Emily Holden |