Invasion. Call to arms. Mass exodus. Air raid sirens. War crimes. Nuclear war threat. None of this crossed my mind when planning today’s blog post. But unprovoked Russian aggression against Ukraine compelled me to write about the greatest unleashing of evil since World War II.
Horrific scenes in the hourly news cycles are hard enough to bear, but are only a glimpse of the horror. The agony imposed on the estimated 2.7 million people with disabilities is unimaginable.
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- How many will die due to medical facilities—once used for treating life threatening conditions like cancer, organ failure, and COVID-19—being converted to emergency care for the injured?
- How many will die due to starvation and unavailability of medications?
- How are people with intellectual or mental health impairments coping with the trauma?
- How do wheelchair users exit high rise buildings when power outages shut down elevators and how do they get downstairs into basements and bomb shelters?
- How do those using power wheelchairs and respiratory equipment charge their batteries?
- Who will pay for wheelchair accessible vehicles to transport their users to safety across the border?
- Who will help the tens of thousands of children with disabilities living in orphanages and institutions?
- How do people needing personal care services find a replacement for a caregiver who has evacuated the country?
- Where will refugees needing accessible accommodation find shelter?
- How many will acquire disabilities as a result of the war?
Sanctions, military supplies, solidarity and support have come from world leaders, cities, charities, and individual citizens. Flying the Ukrainian flag and sunflower displays are laudable, but do nothing to help civilians fleeing with their children and pets and “farewelling” loved ones who must stay behind to fight. So what can we do?
First and foremost we can pray for God’s intervention—He can make the impossible happen. History attests to this. In ancient times, the Israelites often defeated enemies with greater military strength. Well known examples include the defeat of Egypt led by Moses (Exodus 14), Midian led by Gideon (Judges 7), and Jericho led by Joshua (Joshua 6). Modern day examples include national days of prayer and fasting during World War II when British soldiers were trapped at Dunkirk, Hitler planned to invade Britain, and prior to D-Day.
Today as Ukraine confronts an enemy more powerful and numerous, let’s pray for God to hear their cry and intervene on their behalf. May God give President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people courage and confidence to fight under His command.
Second we can give to charities with an established track record of working in Ukraine for people with disabilities. On this front, I support Joni and Friends International Disability Center. A regional in-country coordinator and her team have already proved their effectiveness by boldly evacuating 35 people with severe disabilities and their families and caregivers across the border into Poland. As they plan more rescues, they seek our prayers and ask us not to forget Ukrainians with disabilities.
2 replies on “Remember Ukrainians with Disabilities”
Hadn’t thought of the extreme problems for the disabled. Thanks for bringing that to my attention. It lends to more focused prayer.
I like what Sandy wrote. Thank you Angela for the thought provoking questions. May the mighty hand of God be with the Ukrainian people.