Lord, have mercy.
Like so many, our attention these past few weeks has been fixed on the war in Ukraine. I was first in that country back in the 1990s when I taught in Ternopil’ in western Ukraine. Most recently, I was in the Black Sea port city of Odesa. Ironically, Connie and I were living in St. Petersburg, Russia at the time.
In our letter, I share a little news I have about friends in Ukraine, but also in Russia. The Ingrian Lutheran Church’s seminary outside St. Petersburg has had to close due to the evacuation of foreign missionaries and the devastating effects of western economic sanctions.
At such times the promise of prayer comes to the forefront of our response as Christians. The Church does not set international policy, command armies, or wield economic might. It has something far greater, the presence of Christ the Savior who rules from the cross with mercy. How fortunate that we are in Lent when we are brought close to that cross and to the hope Jesus gives.
Please read Psalm 131, one of the shortest psalms in the Psalter, but one that helps us “humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,” as 1 Peter 5 exhorts us.
Thank you for reading and for your prayers and support.
Pr. Charles Cortright, Eurasia Mission Region
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Cortright_Latvia_Mar2022.pdf
