As we watch the news reports and the seemingly global impact of the conflict, Good News Wants to Know… What has most surprised or impacted you since the Russian invasion of Ukraine?

As one whose parents immigrated from the Ukraine and who still has relatives there, the invasion has impacted me on multiple levels. Viscerally, that Russia would brutally invade a sovereign nation such as they have is shocking and infuriating. Even more, though, it’s worrisome – what and/or who is going to stop Putin from expanding his terrorist attacks on other countries? It’s difficult to see how this ends in any way other than tragically with the deaths of many innocent people and the destruction of cities and even countries. In Exodus 3:19 God tells Moses that it would take a Mighty Hand to compel Pharaoh to submit. My heartfelt prayer is that God’s Mighty Hand would move quickly and decisively against the instigator of this tragic situation.

Oksana Horton, Artistic Director, Torch and Trumpet Theatre Company

Personally, the most impacting aspect of the Russian invasion of Ukraine is the amount of suffering that has been visited upon families and children. The indiscriminate bombing of civilian targets including hospitals, schools and homes by a former KGB officer, now president, is not surprising. I am surprised, however, that in a world with years of participation in the United Nations, coordination of efforts in space and athletic competition and education across country borders that one country has now been allowed to invade another sovereign nation and commit war crimes before our eyes without deterrence or consequence.

William “Bill” C. Davell, Director, Tripp Scott PA

The stories of Ukrainians from all over the world, quitting their day jobs, flying back to their homeland to take up arms is so inspiring. Makes me wonder what kind of really good excuse I would come up with to not do the same.

Bob Denison, President, Denison Yachting

I am disheartened by the level of aggression that has been shown to the innocent, nonmilitary people of Ukraine. However, I am deeply proud of the people of the world that have unified around the Ukrainians and their fight to save their country. This situation has brought out the worst and the very best of humanity, and we all look toward an end to this conflict before it escalates any further. We pray for the Ukrainian people, as well as the Russian citizens that have no interest in this act of war.

Chip LaMarca, State Representative, Florida House District 93

I have been blessed and encouraged to hear how the Ukrainian churches have stepped up to help the refugees and soldiers on both sides with the love of God.

H. Collins Forman, Jr., Esq.

The most significant thing my wife and I have seen during this time is the couple standing at the train station holding a sign that read, “Welcome 2 people as long as you want.” They represent countless others who have sacrificed personal comfort and risen to the occasion by welcoming fractured and displaced families – literal strangers – into their homes. It’s a beautiful picture that brings Matthew 25 to life: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Craig D. Huston, Huston Consulting Group, LLC

What has most impacted me during this Ukraine world-shifting horror is that, as I grieve over the devastated refugees, I’m also grieving the seeming loss of my 30-year friendship with a prominent school director in Moscow. For years, I hosted her best students here in the hope of winning them to Christ. She used to say, “I am raising Russia’s future leaders, but they have no morals or values, but I know you, as a Christian, will teach them. You are my best friend in the world.”  Now, she’s become so anti-American in her support of Putin (because of the propaganda against us) she told me this week that our friendship is over because America started this war with Russia.

Deborah Cusick, FAU Campus Volunteer, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship

What has most surprised or impacted me since the Russian invasion of Ukraine? The stories, once you dig and listen, coming from missionaries and the church of Christ. That information is readily available, and the stories of miracles are amazing. I’m also surprised how eerily similar this is to 1935 in world history with regards to Europe’s and America’s response.

Dennis DeMarois, Executive Director/CEO, Gathering Palm Beach County

Two things are impacting me deeply as I write this. 1 – I give glory to God for the missionaries and ministries I know personally from around the world who immediately went to areas like Poland to bring supplies and resources for the Ukrainian refugees. 2 – I’m horrified that missile attacks seem to not discriminate well in order to protect where children and other innocents are located.

Dolores King-St. George, King Communications and GraceNet Radio

The impact to me is that “Everything is powered by purpose. And when we create shared purpose and we articulate the purpose, we all get to be part of it.” The Ukrainians have shown all of us courage, the price of freedom and unity in values.

Don Campion, President, Banyan Air Service, Inc.

When the news started to break that Russia had launched a full scale invasion of Ukraine, I can remember feeling a pit in my stomach and that small still voice saying, “Oh boy, here we go again…” It wasn’t so much the surprise or the unexpectedness of it that impacted me most but rather the great sense of grief that overwhelmed me as I considered the tremendous pain and loss of life that this will lead to. How many young men and women, children and elderly will die or see their loved ones die or be maimed over the lust for ‘more’ by those in power? How many souls will be going into eternity prematurely, abruptly and horribly? How many of those souls will meet God not knowing Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior? How many? (Even now…as I am writing this, fighting back tears so I can see what I am typing.) The reminder is clear: Evil is real. It is becoming more empowered every day. Although, I stand unshakably confident OUR GOD is greater, I sense a renewed sense of urgency rising among God’s people to do more, pray more, say more, LOVE more!! For tomorrow is not promised, only Heaven for those who put their trust in the saving power of the one who shed His blood for us on a Roman cross 2000 years ago. May we share the Gospel with someone as if it is our last day to do so…because we never know.

Eddie Vega, Pastor, Fuel Life Fellowship

What has surprised me the most is the depth to which man can go in his depravity when he doesn’t know Jesus. Of course, I’ve known of the sinfulness of man for a long time, but what I’m seeing now has, to me, taken the evilness of sin to a new level. Genesis 6:5 says, “The LORD saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time.” Man is evil but God is still good. Let’s look up because our redemption is drawing near. 

Fidel Gomez, Pastor, Calvary Chapel Hollywood

What surprises me most is how inhumane the Russian Army has been regarding civilian targets and how ruthless Vladimir Putin is.

Gregg Wallick, President, Best Roofing, Inc.

As this sleeping giant called communism seemingly wakes, my heart is saddened for only the innocent people suffering through it once again!! There is a deeper, darker story behind this. The problem is that as the truth emerges, many will still not believe it. We need to pray without ceasing and know that our God is still in control!!! His love never fails.

Helen Wayner P.A., Century 21 Hansen Realty

The technological age has allowed for real time emotional impact to people around the world. The absorption of trauma individually and collectively is humbling and hurting. The empathy that is being developed by the global population is hopeful. People are displaying compassion and care for those impacted by war. War is a tragic, broken and horrific event. May God display continued care for the people of Ukraine. May God turn Russian aggression away and have mercy on the people of Russia.
James Welch, Pastor, First Baptist Church of Fort Lauderdale

The most surprising thing is that the American people still accept as unquestionable fact whatever the mainstream/legacy media report, and that we still succumb to the emotional grooming and mass formation psychosis of these centers. As Denzel Washington said, “If you don’t read the newspaper, you’re uninformed. If you do read it, you’re misinformed.”

Justus Martin, Staff Photographer, Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale

What has impacted me the most is the churches’ (universally) need to continue the prayer vigil for the people of Ukraine. We also need to pray for the people of Russia as well.

Larry Lacy, Pastor, The Answer Church

My Biggest surprise was watching God work through President Zelenskyy of Ukraine. He has exhibited Servant Leadership in such a profound way. He is leading like Jesus led, sacrificing his safety and potentially his life for the People he was elected to serve. I believe we can all learn from his courageous acts of self-sacrifice!
Mark Alfieri, Founder, CEO, BrandStar

I am sensing a greater urgency for evangelism. We are on a timeline with God and perhaps the climax of the ages is closer than most of us realize.

Dr. Mary Drabick, President, South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary

Tough question. Honestly, what’s surprised me the most about the Ukraine situation is how little the various governments around the world have done militarily. I know that it is a complicated situation with huge and complex economic factors to consider. However, if I saw a weaker person being pummeled by a more powerful aggressor, I hope I would have the courage to intervene.  Shelter, food and water, do very little to remedy loss of life.  “Only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing”

Dr. Mike Rozeblum, Genesis Physical Medicine and Chiropractic

The biggest surprise is to observe the evil that people can inflict on one another and the extent it can be carried out. It’s hard to watch the news of the hospitals, schools and residential areas destroyed by this war and the innocent killing of women and children. Jesus did warn of war raging and that nation will rise against nation. Praying for all those affected by this war.

Milan Stefanovic, Chief Operations & Personal Lines Officer, Bass Underwriters – Plantation FL

How brave and resilient the Ukrainian people are. We cannot take our freedom for granted. Freedom on so many levels. Also the balance of power and when you look at the disregard for human life as demonstrated by Russian Leadership, it drives home how unevolved we still are on this universe.

Nancy Robin, President/CEO, Habitat for Humanity of Broward County

The thing that has surprised and impacted me the most since the Russian invasion of Ukraine is the willingness and determination of the Ukrainian people to defend their democracy and maintain their freedom to their detriment. Their fight to maintain their democracy and freedom has implications for democracy’s survival around the world. This commitment and willingness on the part of the Ukrainians to fight and die for their democracy and freedom has caught Vladimir Putin by surprise also.
O’Neal Dozier, Pastor, The Worldwide Christian Center

As I look on at the devastation by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, I can’t help but think of the children. It is inspiring to see so many Christian organizations standing in the gap in such amazing ways. I also see the incredible resilience of the people of Ukraine!! I join in Prayer with the body of Christ and the Family of God around the world, as we all Pray for peace!!!

Coach Rick Andreassen, Founder and President, SAINTS Homeschool P.E. and SAINTS International Sports Ministry

The coming together of our two political parties and the rest of the free world to express the outrange to the unjust, immoral assault of the Russian army on the Ukrainian people, has been a tremendous response to a tragic event. The United States and its allies providing provisions of economic and armament support to Ukraine and the imposition of both economic, political and cultural sanctions on Russia, appears to be making a difference in the minds of the Russian people to see the impact that a misguided tyrant like Putin can have to the everyday lives of the people he is supposed to be governing with their best interest at heart.
Lastly, the heartfelt resistance to the invasion of the Ukrainian people to withstand the assault of the Russian invaders, against overwhelming odds and with historical ties as fellow countrymen, is clear evidence of the innate sense of people’s desire to maintain their freedom from tyranny.
Romney Rogers, Managing Partner, Rogers Morris & Ziegler Llp

Indecisiveness of other nations, concerning the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by Russia, has really surprised me. “For evil to prevail, all that has to happen is for good men (countries) to do nothing” (or very little in this case).Our seemingly measured response has not in any way stemmed the tide of slaughtering the innocent. If left unchecked, it will embolden other nations to follow suit.

Ron Bramos, Senior Pastor, Victory Life Church

What has impacted me the most since the Russian invasion of Ukraine is the resilience and strength of the Ukrainian people to stand up for their country and, in most cases, not run away even in the midst of war. Many times when we are under attack, perhaps for our faith, it is easier to run, deny or give up our position. But the Ukrainian people, and many in the church there, are willing to stand up for their family, their country and what they believe in. It is an inspiring reminder for us all to have the strength to stand up for what we believe in, especially for our faith, when opposition comes. May God protect the people of Ukraine. 

Steve Daigle, Campus Pastor, Calvary Chapel Parkland

Actually nothing really surprises me anymore except it does surprise me of the lack of discernment and wisdom that Christians have as they tend to be reactionary and emotionally driven with what happens with the news. Instead of getting educated with truth and facts people tend to be emotional with conjecture. They are fear filled instead of faith filled  People are counting on the Christian, and we need to Walk better in our faith.

Sue Trombino, Founder and President, Women Impacting the Nation

I am not really surprised but mostly reminded of the compassionate core of the American people regardless of race, Faith and nationality.  Our country for the most part appears to be united in genuine compassion for the Ukrainian people and for the innocent Russian people as well.  Americans are expressing our love and compassion by way of making financial contributions, cooking and serving meals, providing temporary housing assistance, spiritual enrichment, medical care, clothing, and of course military support by their increased presence in the Western allied nations.  My prayer remains for Peace! Psalm 34:14 

Rev. Dr. Ted Greer, Jr., Chief Executive Officer, Hope South Florida

What has been the most impactful is the news reports of the Russian invasion. It’s been heartbreaking to see the attacks on the Ukraine. It’s tragic how Putin has targeted hospitals, schools and humanitarian corridors. I am amazed at the heroic efforts of President Zelensky and the fighting spirit of the Ukrainian people, who are willing to sacrifice all for their homeland. I pray that the nations of the world will rise up to oppose this evil dictator. I pray for protection over the nation and people of Ukraine. And for protection over all of us. God is in control, and He has a plan. We are praying for peace.

Tewannah Aman, Executive Director, Broward County Right to Life

The one thing that has impacted me the most is how President Biden has no clue of what is taking place in Ukraine, and if we still had a “Real” President in the White House like Donald Trump, this would have never, ever happened.

Willy Guardiola, Christian on a Mission

Read last month’s GNWTK at: https://www.goodnewsfl.org/good-news-wants-to-know-witnessed-a-miracle/