The Lord God says this:
‘My plans for you are for peace, not for disaster;
To give you a future, a future filled with hope.’
‘My plans for you are for peace.’ (Jer 29:11)
The news and images from Ukraine in recent days are truly devastating. Our eyes are filled with tears; tears of anguish and sorrow. Our hearts are heavy, weighed down with immeasurable sadness. God’s plan for his people is peace, not disaster, not war. But peace in Ukraine has been stolen and the consequences are disastrous.
The invasion of Ukraine is an act of unjustified aggression against a democratic and sovereign nation. It has brought war to Ukrainians and to Europe. Since early Thursday morning we have watched in desperate disbelief as the country has been violated; and it continues. The death toll is rising. Each day loved ones are being killed. Families are being torn apart and people displaced. Those who, only a few days ago, were residents are now refugees. The sick and the elderly, babies and young children, are forced underground as life is threatened and homes are destroyed.
