114 Days of War in Ukraine
Two weeks have passed since my last update. 114 days of the war in Ukraine continue with no end in sight. Air raid sirens are still heard in Kyiv on a daily basis. The Chernihiv region northeast of Kyiv (and closer to our orphanage at Stara Basan location) was hit with missiles this week. Lviv, near Poland and over 800 miles away from the conflict area, was hit this week also. These are areas humanitarian and military supplies pass through on their way to the front. The high probability of civilian loss of life in these areas remains high with the missile attacks. Lord, have mercy!
These are facts but they do not diminish the amazing things God is doing in Ukraine. Our team in Kyiv now works from our MMK offices on a daily basis. Our team located outside of Kyiv, continues to reach out and contact our widows and pensioners. As we receive the individual reports, our Orlando staff are passing them on to our partners who sponsor these individuals. Everyone is always happy to get personal updates from their widows and pensioners.
On Monday, Viktoriia (Vika) Rybchinska started working with Music Mission Kiev in the Kyiv office. Vika has been a soprano in the Kyiv Symphony Orchestra and Chorus for many years. She is currently working with our widow’s program and already doing home visits. In the pictures, you can see her visiting with Raisa Bobkova (one of our homebound widows). She is helping Pastor Ruslan and Serhiy interview two new widows for our program this week.
Vika also serves in St. Paul’s Church with the music and assists Pastor Ruslan. Once our team members in Europe return, her focus will be on the Children’s Music Club and restarting our youth group meetings. She is one of the kindest yet most energetic ladies you will ever meet. As you can see, she is very gifted in diverse ways. We are happy to welcome her to our team!
Also on Monday, Candace Lopez started working in our Orlando office as an administrative assistant. We have been praying and searching for the right person to join us in the mission of MMK and believe Candace is the right fit. She has a great passion for seeing people connected to Jesus and her personal story is pretty amazing. We will share more about Candace in the near future. Twila, Bradley, and I are so thankful to have her gifts and talents added to our office. We are happy to welcome her to our team also!
Our Puscha Bible study group meets weekly, and I receive updates on their meetings each week from Pastor Ruslan. However, two men in the group worked as professional journalists before fleeing to Kyiv in 2014. Alexander, a journalist from Crimea, wrote this week’s update. Ruslan has also approached Serhiy, a journalist from Donetsk, who will share the reporting in the weeks to come. Both of these men have incredible stories and are now sharing their talents with us through Pastor Ruslan’s encouragement.
On Thursday, our widow’s Bible study group met at Christ Cathedral Church for fellowship, a Bible lesson, and to receive their food vouchers to help purchase needed groceries. Thursday afternoon, Serhiy shared how the widows decided they would ask the group to voluntarily give one of their food vouchers toward purchasing food for soldiers fighting on the front lines that we know. It was confirmed they collected 50 food vouchers and sacrificed them to help men and women fighting for their freedom. Then they prayed over this offering and the safety of the soldiers. Can you grasp how amazing it is for this group to give up part of the very little they have to help others in more difficult situations?
This is the humble generosity we repeatedly see in the men and women we serve in Ukraine. It seemed fitting that MMK should match every food voucher they collected, so that is what we are doing. Those who gave were thrilled to hear what they gave ended up being doubled. Together we rejoice in God’s goodness and provisions.
This work is only accomplished because of the support and partnership of people like you. I do not want to pass up this opportunity to let you know how grateful we are for your generosity and support. Your giving is helping save lives and preach the Gospel on a daily basis in Ukraine.
If you didn’t get a copy of the recent Gazetta, I highly encourage you to go and look at it on our website. We are receiving a lot of positive comments on it because it is from a first-hand perspective from several of our staff in Ukraine. You can view it here.
We pray for you with our Ukraine staff every Tuesday during our team devotions. The Widow’s Bible Study and the Puscha Bible Study groups also pray for you weekly. Thank you for all you do to make this world a better place.
Pray
Pray for God to bring closure to this war sooner than later.
For the USA and European countries to expedite their aid to Ukraine in all areas.
For God’s favor on Miroslav, Serhiy’s son, as he continues his treatment in Belgium.
For all the families separated due to the war, this burden is taking a toll.
For the food shortages caused by this war and the harmful effects beyond Ukraine.
For all the people volunteering in the neighboring countries who are helping support Ukrainian refugees.
Extra prayers for the men and women on the front lines fighting for freedom.
For complacency to not set in and create a false sense of security. The war is real and can impact them at any moment by the destruction Russia is demonstrating.
For people to continue faithfully and generously giving to every organization providing aid to Ukraine.
Give
ONLINE: You can give online to musicmissionkiev.org
CALL: You can still call our U.S. office and donate with your credit card. Our office phone number is 407-699-7172.
CHECK: Send a check payable to Music Mission Kiev, PO Box 161849, Altamonte Springs, FL 32716.
Contact
Please take the time to contact your government officials. Even if you have already called or written them, please do so again. We need our government to get the promised aid to Ukraine quicker than it is currently happening.
Greg
CEO | Music Mission Kiev