At The Border

By Michael Wetzel

The exiles stood at the river’s edge weary from conflict, waiting for their promised home. It was there that Joshua heard the words, “I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses” (Joshua 1:3 NIV). Everywhere they put their foot started with one step, boots on the ground, ready to face whatever came next.

In 2003, the Shepherd’s Purse ministry began work with the forgotten ones in Ukraine: orphans, widows, and those in need. Supplies were distributed, funds were allocated, along with much encouragement and a focus on prayer.

Since the war against Ukraine started in 2014, the needs have escalated. Over 6.5 million refugees have spread across Europe and other parts of the globe. Wives and children have left husbands serving in the military. Elderly parents who refused to leave their homes were left behind and many refugees have lost loved ones in the horrors of war. The hurt and sadness runs deep as thousands sit in hotels or hostels across Europe.

Recently, a Shepherd’s Purse team traveled to Ireland and Estonia to offer some comfort and encouragement to some of the Ukrainian refugees. In Ireland many were encountered sitting on benches in malls and on the street. The stories were heart breaking. Our words and prayers seemed of little comfort and yet were always welcome.

In Tallin, the capital of Estonia, it was the same. An afternoon was spent in the city park sharing worship songs, preaching, and interacting with some of the hundreds of people in the park area. So many were responsive and open to pray and the Gospel message.

In two other cities, meetings attracted groups of Ukrainians for food, fellowship, times of worship, and sharing of stories. Once again, our offerings of encouragement were difficult after hearing their stories of escape from some of the most dangerous cities in the war zones. Some had escaped from the Bucha massacre where 458 people were killed. Others escaped from Mariupol, a city of a half million, where an estimated 20,000 people were murdered and the city decimated.

A final visit was made to Narva, a city right on the border of Russia. This city of 57,000 is 95% Russian speaking residents who migrated to the area during the Russian occupation prior to 1991 when Estonia won their independence. Despite being citizens of Estonia, most of their news comes from Russian TV and radio, so many are sympathetic to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Our team traveled to the river’s edge that separated the two countries. We could see homes and people right across the river. It was time for boots on the ground and prayers for the end of the war. We stood there praying with our team and a couple from Ukraine who currently work helping other Ukrainian refugees.

One of our team members was the daughter of a pastor friend in Ukraine. Lisa had come from Ukraine to help us with children’s programs, worship singing, and as an interpreter. At one point as we prayed, I noticed Lisa was sobbing. Later she told us God had directed her to forgive her enemies. This was not something she wanted to do, but she did it with great reservation. Back home the previous week, she and her father heard a drone overhead in their city and then an explosion. Another night they were awakened by machine gun fire, opened their windows, and were blinded by the military lights tracking a drone. This was their normal life now as it was for most citizens of Ukraine.

This is the life of our Ukrainian brothers and sisters as the war moves through its tenth year. And now, those who were forced to flee from their homes in Ukraine are faced with the real possibility of an invasion of the Baltic states. As Estonia, Latvia, and other nations in the region are ramping up their military training and preparedness, the common citizens of these areas are simply praying for this conflict to end.

Our trip was a challenge: seven flights, seven taxis, four trains, and a lot of walking. And yet, our hearts were moved to stand at the river, boots on the ground, and spend a short couple of weeks with those who continue to suffer the loss of so much.

Michael Wetzel is the Executive Director of the Shepherd’s Purse ministry.