“We are going to a family reunion.” This was the simple answer when we were asked about the purpose of our third prayer journey to Ukraine: Reconciliation and Healing for Ukraine. A team of 32 people from seven countries – including Messianic Jewish rabbis, Lutheran pastors, evangelical Catholics, and other Christian leaders – travelled through Ukraine to listen, worship, pray, remember, and serve together. Led by Pavol Strezo and Hans Scholz, we gathered around the call of 2 Chronicles 7:14, humbling ourselves before God and praying for the removal of antisemitism, healing for Ukraine, and a just end to the terrible war. “One powerful highlight was Kamianets-Podilskyi, where local Christians, Messianic and Orthodox Jews joined us in restoring the railing around a mass grave where 23,600 Jews were murdered during the Holocaust. Together, we removed rust and painted the fence – a simple act of service with a deep message of remembrance and reconciliation. At Holocaust memorial sites in Vinnytsia and Nemyriv, and during times of worship in Messianic Jewish congregations, we experienced both tears and joy, silence and friendship. We were deeply moved to see hearts opening as Christians and Jews listened, remembered, prayed, worshipped, and even celebrated Shabbat together. Throughout the journey, one conviction grew stronger: reconciliation is not just an idea – it means listening, remembering, serving together, and standing beside those who are hurting. We witnessed a beautiful unity among Catholics, Protestants, Charismatic Christians, Messianic Jews, and Jewish communities. “For there the Lord commands a blessing.”
Please continue to pray for Ukraine – for peace, healing, reconciliation, unity, and a just end to the war.
Ukraine Prayer Journey: A Family Reunion
