Ukrainians and Americans Converge in Washington, D.C., for Prayer

The war in Ukraine rages on. The devastation is unimaginable. Families are displaced. Pastors and church leaders are overwhelmed. The threat of freedom is real.

In the ongoing chaos of war, what an incredible blessing to witness a gathering of nearly one thousand Ukrainian, American and other national leaders, all converging in Washington, D.C., for Ukrainian Week, a focus on prayer and mutual encouragement!

With various events held at the Washington Hilton and Museum of the Bible, all a stone’s throw from the U.S. Capitol Building, we had an amazing opportunity to network with frontline Ukrainian soldiers, evangelical leaders from Ukraine, various organizational leaders serving in Ukraine and some amazing church leaders from Korea! 

For me, the highlight was the Ukrainian Prayer Breakfast held in February. Modeled after the Annual National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., the Ukrainian Prayer Breakfast moved me and hundreds of others to tears. We heard the Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S. share scripture and pray for Ukraine and the United States. Several U.S. Congressmen shared their love for Jesus and Ukraine while praying for those who have experienced tragedy from war. The Chaplain to the U.S. House of Representatives prayed over the nation of Ukraine and shared encouragement from scripture. Admiral Barry Black, Chaplain to the U.S. Senate, spoke powerfully and issued a call to Prayer and Fasting for Ukraine, reminding us that our hope is ultimately in our all-powerful God.

At this nearly weeklong gathering, I’ve never seen such a focused and fervent emphasis on prayer. It was humbling and convicting. 

Converge’s involvement with Ukrainian churches spans more than three decades. God has used Converge’s long-standing Ukrainian church partnerships and unprecedented war-time generosity to help resource perhaps the strongest movement of people coming to Christ throughout the global North in our lifetime! Several Converge districts helped to develop this partnership effort, formerly called “Love Lift for Ukraine.”

Now, Converge is entering a new phase of partnership with Ukraine and the evangelical church in this amazing country. A great need exists, especially for developing church-to-church partnerships focused on new church plants and raising a new generation of pastors. We anticipate opportunities for engagement in Ukraine in various ways in the coming weeks and months. Right now, one of our biggest efforts is to PRAY for Ukraine!

Converge has been asked to join with evangelical Christians in Ukraine by focusing on Prayer and Fasting through the remainder of 2024.  Some of our leaders are committing a day (or part of a day) each week to pray and fast for Ukraine. Some are gathering for a monthly Zoom Prayer Meeting. Many are praying in their homes and churches for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.

A “Converge for Ukraine” Leadership Team has been meeting regularly now, comprised of Pastor Rob Paterson (New Hope Church in Loudonville, OH), Jim Capaldo (Regional President for Converge Heartland), Bob Marsh (Converge International Missions Leader), Rick Post (President of Potential Endeavors) and me. If you want more information or have any questions, please contact Dan@convergemidatlantic.com.  Again, thanks in advance for PRAYING.