On the morning of Thursday, February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared war on Ukraine via video, announcing a “special military operation” against Ukraine with a warning to the nations of the world not to interfere despite international appeals for restraint.
This marks the beginning of a European land war with serious implications for the Ukrainian people and the rest of the world. Throughout the night, more than 100 Russian missiles rained down on the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv. Live footage on major networks showed Ukrainians gathering in deserted streets to kneel in prayer.
“We are asking all of our members and the broader Christian community to join with us in interceding for Ukraine,” said NRB CEO Troy A. Miller. “The lives of many innocent people are at stake and we are praying for the peace of God to prevail.”
NRB has several members with operations in Ukraine, including Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC), IRR/TV, MEDIAlliance, and Trans World Radio (TWR), which has a national partner in Ukraine and a ministry affiliation in Russia.
“Our hearts are heavy as we see the unfolding of war in Ukraine,” said MEDIAlliance founder and president Dr. Ron Harris. “MEDIAlliance has served media partners there for almost a decade, holding media training conferences each year with the Novomedia association of Christian journalists and media ministries.”
Harris added,
“Through the years we have gained great friends, training hundreds of these dedicated servants to be more effective in sharing the Gospel. Many of these friends are now in harm’s way. I have been in touch with these Ukrainian friends. All of them have been asking for prayer, knowing that God is sovereign and can ultimately win the victory. I hope many will join with us in praying for God’s great people as they live in a country now at war. Pray for their safety and for their ability to shine God’s Light in that dark situation.”
“Please pray for our teams in both conflicting countries, Ukraine and Russia, and that many will come to know Christ,” said Dirk Müller, international director for TWR Europe, in a press release.
NRB urges Christians to intercede for the protection of the Ukrainian people and all innocent civilians now and in the days to come.
