124 Days of War in Ukraine
We are now into the fifth month of the war in Ukraine. It is easy to understand the idea that the fatigue of war is beginning to impact all of us. While most fighting and bombing is in the eastern and southern part of Ukraine, the capital city of Kyiv was struck again in the district where our offices are located. Out of 14 rockets shot toward Kyiv, six got through. Most of our people heard these explosions on Sunday. The air raid sirens were constant on Sunday and continued today in Kyiv. This unfolded just like Mayor Klitschko predicted earlier in the week when he said it would happen on Saturday or Sunday.
Today, Ukrainian officials report scores of civilians killed or injured after a Russian rocket hit a crowded shopping mall in Kremenchuk. At least two deaths were immediately reported; President Zelenskyy said the number of possible victims was “unimaginable.” Kremenchuk is almost halfway between Kyiv and the war zone. Neither of these cities should have been targeted.
The amazing part of today’s news is how our Kyiv Symphony Orchestra and Chorus singers decided to go ahead with the concert they had planned for Sunday afternoon for our widows. They held the concert at the largest Greek Catholic Cathedral in Kyiv, which has amazing acoustics.
I received a late notice on Sunday morning and was able to watch it on a Facebook live stream. Our team recorded it, and we will let you know when it is available to watch. Remember, these artists just had their city hit by multiple rockets, but they persevered.
Here are some pictures of the KSOC and Vika conducting the concert. Pastor Ruslan prayed to open the service, and you can also see a picture of him and Serhiy Basarab getting ready for the concert. They are wearing their vyshyvanka shirts which always makes me smile. Someday I will post a pic with one of the shirts the KSOC gifted me in 2019.
St. Paul’s Church continues to meet weekly, and our widow’s gatherings are growing. We have been interviewing new candidates each week for our widow’s food voucher distribution. The picture is of Valentina, who has no close family and lives on her own. Two years ago, she had a stroke that affected her speech, so she doesn’t go out into the city very often, but she has found a new family through the many men and women who attend our Thursday Widow’s Bible Study.
I learned Oksana’s two sons, who are with her in Germany, have started attending school and learning to speak German during their studies. Ruslan’s wife, Ira, is in France with their two boys, who have also started school and are learning French. These four young men will fluently speak multiple languages when they return home. Imagine how God might use them in this globally connected world.
Pastor Ruslan will be traveling again to the western part of Ukraine from Thursday through Sunday for a pastor’s retreat. They have been carrying the burdens of many people in need. He and many other pastors have been working 24/7 since Feb. 24, serving in various ways, and many of them are feeling burned out and exhausted. I know this time together for them will be renewing, restful, and hopefully re-creational to their body, mind, and spirit.
Today we decided to wire funds to purchase antibacterial foot powder for Varvara’s son’s group of soldiers. Some are in fierce battles for 18 hours non-stop, and their feet need extra care. Something as simple as foot powder is a connecting point with us to these young men and women where we can remind them God loves them and wants the best for them, even in the midst of war.
Pray
The safety of all the men and women serving in the military and defense units.
For the USA and European countries to expedite the sanctions against Russia until all Russian troops are withdrawn.
For all the workers and volunteers working in the organizations providing humanitarian aid in Ukraine and with Ukrainian refugees in European countries.
For our staff and families living in different European countries while longing to return to their families and homes in a free Ukraine.
For the fatigue of war to be overcome with a spirit of gratitude and joy as they trust God to bring an end to this conflict.
For the historical buildings and monuments to not be lost from history through the destruction.
For the blessing of our many American donors to continue to pray and support the work of our mission.
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
The soldiers tell us they need heavy weapons and ammunition to repel the overwhelming Russian artillery. Please take the time to contact your government officials. Even if you have already called or written them, please do so again. I cannot overstate the importance of our influence to have our government do more. Please let them know we need to get support to them faster if Ukraine is to have any chance in this war.
Greg
CEO | Music Mission Kiev