Unrest in the Ukraine....the World is Smaller Than We Think

There has been a great deal of news coverage on the unrest in the Ukraine over the past few weeks. 

Image courtesy of Bleacherreport

We have seen, Bogdana Matsotskachoose, give up her Olympic  dream of her life to go home and support the protestors in their home land.  

Image courtesy of PBS

Protesters and Police have clashed, too many have lost their lives.  There has been a change in leadership and a fledgling government is trying to stand on wobbly legs.

I have watched, as we all have, these events on the news.  As badly as I have felt for the citizens of this country, it all came home to roost for me today.  My friend placed this plea on her Facebook page (with the names removed):

"Asking a favor - Putin has asked his parliament for permission to send military troops to Ukraine - specifically Crimea. We are fasting tomorrow for the people of Ukraine and the missionaries there (especially the one who is near and dear to my heart - Elder (son)) - could you add them into your fasting and prayer tomorrow? And - if you aren't the fasting, but the praying type - could you lift them up in prayer. My heart hurts for this people and their division and what it could mean for their country. Thank you so much!"

How could I or anyone not feel for this family and the all of the families who live in this troubled corner of the world?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has made the following statement today.

Church Statement on Missionaries Serving in Ukraine

Salt Lake City-The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released the following statement today regarding missionaries serving in Ukraine:

Due to civil unrest, 23 missionaries serving in the Ukraine Dnepropetrovsk Mission have been removed from the Crimean peninsula and transferred to other areas within the mission as a precautionary measure.

Many around the world are  participating in Fasting and Prayer today and tomorrow. If you can find it in your heart, can you please include the missionaries and the people of the Ukraine in your Prayers and Fasting.  

If you are new to Prayer, it isn't difficult. Find a quiet and secluded place.

• Begin by calling on The Father by saying "Heavenly Father" 
• Take a minute to offer your thanks for the blessings that you are grateful for.  Suggestions might be for your family, health, shelter, etc
• Ask Heavenly Father for the things you are calling upon him for.  (If you feel so inclined, ask for protection and care to be upon the People of the Ukraine).
• End "In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen"

Our Brothers and Sisters abroad need our help.  Please find it in your heart to include them in your Fasting and Prayers.

ADDENDUM:  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released the following information:

Ukraine
Given the evolving situation in Ukraine, 22 missionaries serving in that country will end their missions early and return home over the next few days. This includes missionaries originally scheduled for release in March and April of this year and allows the four missions in Ukraine to better accommodate the missionaries who were moved out of the Crimean Peninsula. Missionaries who have been in missionary training centers preparing to enter Ukraine are being temporarily reassigned to other missions or will remain at the MTCs on a short-term basis (see previous statements issued this week).