Russia recently attacked two dams in Ukraine, another horrific act of violence that has brought suffering and misery to both countries. The destruction of the dams has caused massive flooding, putting 80 towns and villages at risk and claiming the lives of Russian soldiers as well as Ukrainian civilians who were caught in the onrush. As a result of the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam, the North Crimea Canal that was fed from the dam and supplied 85% of the water used in Crimea is now in ruins. Agriculture in Crimea is no longer possible. In addition to the flooding, the hydroelectric station that provides electricity to 3 million people has also been severely damaged.
Key observers have pointed out that because Putin has failed in his original goal of conquering Ukraine, he has now decided to destroy the country instead. Conquest has turned into destruction. Some analysts are convinced that Putin has given up on trying to seize Ukraine or even hold parts of it under Russian control. It appears his perspective is: “If I can’t have it, neither can they.”
This new criminal act has put approximately 40,000 people in urgent need of evacuation. Once again, the response of Christian seminaries has been swift and remarkable, as they immediately set up refugee centers to serve displaced people and provide essential assistance and support to the vulnerable. Students, staff and faculty from seminaries are helping people who have lost their homes to move to safer locations and are bringing in desperately needed drinking water, dry rations, water filters, pumps, and tools needed for post-flood clean-up efforts. According to Taras N. Dyatlik, the coordinator of the “Ukraine Refugees Assistance” – an alliance of eleven seminary-based refugees hubs in Ukraine, with one hub in Moldova – these seminary teams are hard at work getting an education they never expected when they enrolled.
This crisis presents another opportunity for you to become engaged in supporting the Ukrainians in their fight for survival against Russian aggression. You can use this donation link to help the Ukrainians; it is a secure and trusted platform for online donations managed by United World Missions-Overseas Council, a partner ministry I have known and worked with for years.
Here is the basic plan that these seminary hubs are putting in place:
Mobilizing teams of volunteers to provide assistance and support;
Conducting evacuation operations as needed;
Buying and distributing essential items, especially drinking water and basic foods;
Assessing damage and determining where the most critical needs are located; and
Coordinating local churches and authorities to ensure effective relief efforts.
The rebuilding that takes place after these devastating attacks has been impressive and the Ukrainians have made it clear that they will not give up their independence. As an educator who worked in leadership training, I think the experience of these seminary students is a powerful teaching moment as they learn to listen to the needs of the vulnerable, prepare a helpful response, and follow through in rebuilding their communities. This is the kind of leadership that will be needed when the war is over. Once again, people of faith have immediately stepped in to help the victims of these attacks. We also know that the support of friends from overseas brings them much encouragement.
Professor Timothy Snyder offered this advice, which is worth repeating to your family and friends: “A catastrophic man-made flood as part of a war of atrocity is no everyday calamity. Ukrainians are on the scene doing what they can with remarkable calm. We should do what we can to support them. A few moments at a keyboard right now can save lives, and help good people feel like they are not alone.”
I encourage you to contact United World Mission–Overseas Council at the link provided above (https://uwm.org/projects/48505/) or choose another giving option with which you are familiar. Become a partner in this battle!