A Prayer for Ukraine

On Thursday, Russia launched military attacks against Ukraine in more than a dozen locations across the country, including near the capital, Kyiv. Week of Compassion is in frequent contact with our partners in Europe, who are monitoring the rapidly developing situation and planning for the displacement of people and the humanitarian needs that are likely to come from this invasion. As we learn more, we will share updates about how Disciples will extend care and compassion to those affected. We join with you and with people around the world in praying for peace.

Ever Loving God,

Today we are filled with many emotions in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Humanity has once again chosen selfishness and death, when we know you to be the God of abundance and life.

We are filled with grief for the lives lost and the senselessness of killing. We grieve, too, for those who have been and will be driven from their homes or made to suffer by the cruelties of violence. God be with those who mourn today and those whose days of mourning are yet to come. May they feel our hearts reaching out to theirs in sorrow and in love.

Breathe your peace into our own fear and anxiety, as our minds are racing or frozen by thoughts of what this will mean for the world that should be at peace. Give us grace and comfort in these times of uncertainty.

Make your presence known to those feeling angry or hopeless, those filled with righteous frustration at injustice and those overwhelmed by despair. May you guide our energy towards productive engagement in service of those who are most impacted.

Whatever the feelings or the situation God, we ask that through it all you would remain with us. Remain with those who are in deep mourning and in need of your comfort. Be present with leaders around the world, that they may know your wisdom and peace. Be with the church as we discern our own path forward in response to a world in desperate need of your peace, your love, and your hope.

We ask these prayers in the name of your Son, the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ,

Amen.

LOVE is a path forward

On Memorial Day 2019, tornadoes swept through the Miami Valley of Ohio, destroying thousands of homes and apartments and leaving a trail of downed trees and power lines in their wake. Many of the tornado-affected families have had to relocate multiple times since the tornadoes due to substandard housing conditions and inflated rent.

Two years after the storm, the Stephans family were still unable to find adequate living quarters. The Family of ten was forced to live apart. In addition to dealing with unscrupulous contractors, the family had to haggle with insurance companies as they tried to rebuild their home. The Stephenses, like so many other families, remained in temporary housing and seperated, pending the completion of repairs.

Yet, all was not lost. The Stephens family connected with the Miami Valley Long-Term Recovery Operations Group, and volunteer teams finished the repairs.

Alongside these traditional home repair projects, and with support from Week of Compassion, the MVLTROG helped launch the Tornado Survivors' Pathways to Homeownership Project to help alleviate the housing crunch in the Dayton area. Volunteers and local nonprofits work together to transition "nuisance" properties and vacant lots into affordable, single-family housing options for tornado survivors who are displaced from rental housing, stabilizing both families and the community. First-time homeowners recieve the support they need to build for their futures.

Sammy Deacon, Brethren Disaster Ministries Long-Term Project Leader, says "When you reach out to help someone else, the blessing comes back to you as well. An important aspect of the recovery effort is listening to people's stories and knowing you have the opportunity to help them - physically and spiritually."

With support for long-term recovery, including innovative programs like the Pathways to Homeownership project, Week of Compassion helps create opportunitites for families to thrive after disasters. Because love remains.