Ukraine PM Visits White House as Crimea Crisis Deepens; Prayers Coveted

Dan Wooding : Mar 13, 2014
Assist News Service

"The Body of Christ in Ukraine has shown deep passion and amazing courage sharing the love of God amidst the fighting in Kiev and now the Crimean crisis. With the escalation of military activity in Crimea and eastern Ukraine, we must all pray for a miraculous peaceful solution to these developments. May the Church of Ukraine continue to be an example of courage and compassion during these uncertain times." -Jeff Thompson, Mercy Projects

(Washington, DC)—The White House is stepping up its criticism of a planned referendum in Crimea as it [played] host on Wednesday (March 12, 2014) to the Ukrainian prime minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, in a last ditch bid to prevent Russian annexation of the peninsula. (Photo via ANS)

Dan Roberts, writing in the British newspaper, The Guardian, said that in a statement issued jointly on behalf of G7 leaders, the US administration insisted the referendum scheduled to take place this weekend "would have no legal effect" and would not be recognized by the international community.

"Given the lack of adequate preparation and the intimidating presence of Russian troops, it would also be a deeply flawed process which would have no moral force," said the G7 statement on Wednesday.

Roberts went on to say, "Western diplomats are anxious to stress how the rushed referendum on joining Russia breaches international law and precedents for dealing with secession issues, but there is increasing concern that separatists in Crimea will use it as a justification for a permanent split from the Ukraine."

The G7 statement added, "Russian annexation of Crimea would be a clear violation of the United Nations Charter; Russia's commitments under the Helsinki Final Act; its obligations to Ukraine under its 1997 Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Partnership; the Russia-Ukraine 1997 basing agreement; and its commitments in the Budapest Memorandum of 1994.

"In addition to its impact on the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, the annexation of Crimea could have grave implications for the legal order that protects the unity and sovereignty of all states. Should the Russian Federation take such a step, we will take further action, individually and collectively."

Now, Assist News Service has received statements from the Board of Directors of Russian Ministries and Jeff Thompson, the head of Mercy Projects, a ministry that works in Ukraine, regarding the controversial Crimea Referendum.

The message said that, as the March 16 deadline for the Crimea referendum approaches, the Board of Directors of Russian Ministries has issued the following statement regarding Russian Ministries' position on the crisis in Ukraine.

It read, "As the world observes the unfolding crisis in Russia and Ukraine, Russian Ministries and its national affiliate, The Association for Spiritual Renewal—which has its ministry headquarters in Ukraine and oversees ministry outreach in 12 countries of the former Soviet Union, including Russia and Ukraine—are shocked and saddened by the escalation of violence that began with protests in Ukraine and culminated, as of today, with the Russian invasion of Crimea. As followers of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, we denounce aggression and violence, knowing that 'the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God' (James 1:20, ESV). (Photo via ANS)

"Through our active ministry involvement in both Russia and Ukraine, our organization is devoted to helping the Church be salt and light during this conflict in order to bring healing and hope to the nations. We call upon all leaders, both religious and secular, to embrace peaceful means of deciding questions of political alignment and national determination.

"We ask our brothers and sisters to always assume the best motives of others as events unfold in the days ahead. We also caution Christian leaders not to let their political views, whatever they are, overshadow their Christian convictions.

"In times of uncertainty, the hearts of men and women are looking for stability. True followers of Jesus Christ know that they can depend on the 'solid rock' of their faith. Especially in these tense times, we renew our commitment to helping others find comfort, healing and faith in Him, in both Russia and Ukraine. We call on the global Christian community to support us, prayerfully and financially, in our effort to bring reconciliation and restore peace to this land in great turmoil."

It was signed by the Board of Directors, Peter Deyneka Russian Ministries, Wheaton, Illinois.

Jeff Thompson, Founder/CEO, Mercy Projects, said, "I deeply respect the ministry of Russian Ministries and their counterpart, The Association for Spiritual Renewal, and echo their call for the Body of Christ in both Russia and Ukraine to not allow politics to overshadow their Christian convictions. The churches and denominations within Ukraine have exhibited amazing unity during the last 4 months since the protest movement began. Our dream and prayer for Ukraine as a country, is that they would be free of internal corruption and external coercion by foreign entities.

"The Body of Christ in Ukraine has shown deep passion and amazing courage sharing the love of God amidst the fighting in Kiev and now the Crimean crisis. With the escalation of military activity in Crimea and eastern Ukraine, we must all pray for a miraculous peaceful solution to these developments. May the Church of Ukraine continue to be an example of courage and compassion during these uncertain times."