A couple of weeks ago, as I was watching NBC Nightly News (March 6), the bright title of a news story, “Faith and Hope,” on the TV screen caught my eye. The reporter shared a story from a small town called Rivne, a deeply religious town in Ukraine, close to the border with Belarus. These days, the faith of the residents, like many aspects of their lives, is being tested as the city was in the path of the advancing Russian soldiers. As they prepared to defend their town with their guns, they were also going to the church to pray for peace. They put their faith into action. They collected clothes for displaced families, food for the hungry… The whole town participated in helping one another and those in need. Residents of this “Bible belt” of Ukraine see this as a blessing from God; they are able to put their faith into practice. What a demonstration of their faith in their lives even when facing such dire situations. They are supporting and caring for one another and putting their faith and hope in God. The reporter concluded the story by stating, “like much of Ukraine, Rivne runs on faith and community.”

It is difficult for us to imagine how so much destruction and so many casualties and tragedies could happen right in front of our eyes. As we learn of the pain, suffering, and agonies these Christians and the people of Ukraine are going through, we need to pray for their protection from these dangers and may God grant them peace knowing that our God is still in control. Throughout history, similar situations happened repeatedly to many groups of people, and Christians are no exception. In the Early Church, Christians faced persecution, adversities, and trials because of their faith. However, it is because of this faith that we have hope. As Peter told us, it is these adversities that refine our faith in God; and through our faith in Christ, we have a living hope (I Peter 1:3-7). What an assurance in this turbulent world!