National Prayer Breakfast in Ukraine
Thank you for answering the “Call to Prayer” on August 25th for the Presidential Prayer Breakfast held in Kyiv, Ukraine.
On behalf of Great Commission Media Ministries (IRR-TV), I was given the privilege of attending the National Prayer Breakfast in Ukraine hosted by the office of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Under tight security, the breakfast was attended by 1,200 invited guests, soldiers, clergy, and Heads of State from many countries.
After 3 ½ years of horrific war waged by Russia, Ukraine stands in need of much prayer for a peace that will shield millions of its citizens from further atrocity and bloodshed. This Prayer Breakfast was a show of spiritual force and dependence on God for his intervention.
From the Office of Ukraine President Zelenskyy:
"We sincerely thank you for being with us at the National Prayer Breakfast of Ukraine. Your presence, prayers, and support made this gathering truly special and powerful.”
General Keith Kellogg, United States special envoy to Ukraine, arrived in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, for the National Prayer Breakfast as a keynote speaker. He joins the opening prayer.
General Kellogg read from the book of Psalms and reminded the 1,200 delegates of the importance of prayer and God’s presence in the history of the people of Israel.
“People forget the length of this war. We’ve been fighting this war for four years. It’s the biggest war in Europe since World War II. And the number of casualties is enormous. So you think about this death and destruction, and that’s why those who served in the military and saw the damage it caused want to stop this.
I hope we can end this horrific war... And I hope that a year from now, on Ukraine’s 35th Independence Day, Ukraine will be a different place.”
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized:
“It is very important to feel that we have such strong support in this battle of good versus evil.
Military assistance is essential, but above all, spiritual support, is equally important.
Allies in values, allies in the fight for our lives – this is the most important asset we have. And when we see your actions, when we hear your words of support, when we hear your prayers for us, for our people, for our children, for Ukraine, we know that we are not alone.”
American pastor Mark Burns with GCMM President Hannu Haukka. Burns is known as spiritual advisor to US President Donald Trump and a staunch supporter of Ukraine. Burns was one of the international speakers at the prayer breakfast.
Keynote speaker Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, stated that Norway would dramatically increase its military aid to Ukraine. In the foreground, Pastor Mark Burns. In the background, Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the Ukrainian President.
Speaking at the prayer breakfast, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said: “My country Norway’s unwavering support is for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. We must do everything we can to stop this war knowing that one man – Russia’s leader – could have ended it now in an instant. We must make every effort to work for peace with our hands, our minds, our resources, and our prayers.”
According to Andriy Yermak, Ukraine's priority is a just and lasting peace preceded by an unconditional ceasefire and negotiations. In addition, according to Yermak, Russia must be pressured to take real steps in this direction. Yermak, the Head of the Administration of the Ukrainian President, is seen as the Ukrainian counterpart to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The guests at the National Prayer Breakfast included both soldiers and chaplains. Many soldiers bore the marks of time spent at the front and the ensuing battles.
A HANDSHAKE I WILL NEVER FORGET!
Soldier Daniel Hodykin (28) lost his right arm in the battle of Bakhmut. He was transferred to a US military hospital for treatment and received a robotic arm with full training in its use. I was deeply moved when he reached out his right hand and gently closed his grip on mine. I will never forget that handshake. Daniel will forever bear the scars of this horrific war.
On the right: Daniel's older brother.
Soldier Daniel Hodykin’s right hand. Thousands of men still wait for prosthetics for lower limbs or arms. Loss of sight or hearing is one of the most devastating physical injuries a soldier can suffer.
Oleg, a wounded soldier, had lost both his left arm and leg at the front. He spoke to the large audience gathered for the prayer breakfast.
To the left of President Zelenskyy in the center is Elijah Brown, Secretary General of the Baptist World Alliance. To the right is Lucía Caram Padilla, a Spanish Dominican nun and writer who has organized large amounts of humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
Commander in Chief of Ukraine Military Intelligence General Kyrylo Budanov has written his personal endorsement for GCMM’s critically important and timely book on how to survive PTSD - war related trauma. With not nearly enough professional help available millions in Ukraine are left without treatment and counseling. The book is a first aid tool on how to deal with severe affliction of the mind and soul caused by war.
Please accept a warm thank you for your prayers and support to the Ukrainian people in their time of need.