Jackson County congregations pray for Ukraine
By Melody Cook
Churches across Jackson County united in prayer for the people of Ukraine this weekend. Alan Shelby of Harvest Baptist Church in Blue Springs said his congregation is worried the Russian invasion of Ukraine will threaten the Ukrainians' right to worship, as he doesn't believe they have the same rights as in their home country.
“There’s not that religious freedom like there is in Ukraine,” he said about Russia.
Shelby, who has a doctorate in religious studies, compared the unrest in Ukraine to religious persecution under the Roman Empire during the biblical time of the New Testament. In their prayers for Ukraine, he said, his congregants follow the words of the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy.
“I think it’s right for us to pray what he told us, which is that they would have quietness and peace,” Shelby said.
Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral in Kansas City, Missouri, is joining other Episcopalian churches around the world in prayer for “tranquility and peace” in Ukraine, said youth and college minster Clare Stern.
“Kindle in the hearts of all people the true love of peace,” the universal prayer said.
Stern said the people of Ukraine have been named in the “Prayers of the People” at each of the cathedral’s worship services since the conflict began.
Jean Keaton is a missionary in Independence for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Around the world, members of the LDS church are fasting and praying for Ukraine, she said. The church is emphasizing trust in God amid the conflict, Keaton said.
"But in the meantime, we're aware of the suffering taking place," she said. "So that's what we pray for. We know the Lord is in control through the events that are taking place now. We can be part of the good that can come in really difficult times.”