227 Days of War in Ukraine
As October ends, we are in the ninth month of the war in Ukraine. Air raid sirens are now a daily occurrence again in Kyiv. Much has happened in the past month. In fact, there are too many great things to share in this one update, so we have decided to begin sharing specific updates weekly from each area of ministry and the opportunities God is opening for us.
Life in the capital city, Kyiv, has gotten very dangerous again. It has gotten more dangerous in every city in Kyiv as Russia is now targeting infrastructure and electrical networks on a daily basis around Ukraine. The number of internally displaced Ukrainian families and individuals is growing exponentially.
The constant rumors of Russia attacking Kyiv through Belarus are heightening their worries. This weighs heavily on every person I talk with each week. Even the most positive and courageous people I have spoken with recently have all said, “things are not good in Kyiv.” This speaks volumes to me about their mental and emotional states. However, they continue to believe God will deliver victory and peace in Ukraine. I pray in unity with them!
Several people have asked me again for news sites they can utilize to stay better informed. I am not advocating any of these news agencies for any reason other than to share with you. They are three sites I find the best up-to-date information on what is happening: ukrinform.net, bbc.com, and cnn.com. Hopefully, your local news has not dropped reporting on the horrors taking place in Ukraine.
The Secretary of Defense in Ukraine asked Ukrainians taking refuge in Europe not to come back until after the winter months due to the extra strain it would put on their electrical infrastructure. Rolling blackouts are now a daily occurrence. The winter temperatures are already dropping, so we continue purchasing winter clothing and bedding and distributing them as quickly as possible.
The Kyiv Symphony Orchestra and Chorus recently performed at The National Philharmonic Hall. They were scheduled to perform from 6 PM to 7:15 PM. However, just before they started, the air raid sirens sounded, and everyone had to move to the basement until it ended. When it ceased, they headed back upstairs to begin, and another air raid siren started. Back down to the basement they went.
Remember, in Kyiv, when the sirens go off, transportation above ground ceases until the warning is over. This caused some of our widows and attendees to leave before the music started because they were concerned about finding transportation back home before curfew. Most people stayed, and after the siren ended, the concert took place.
Vika had to shorten the concert and drop a few pieces from the performance in order to observe the time limitations everyone experienced. But then the music started… the musicians played vigorously, the singers were superb, and a ballerina performed beautifully. We forget how encouraging the music and performances of classical sacred music are to people in dire circumstances. Our KSOC were complimented with the light shining through them, the warmth individuals felt while listening, or just the courage to show up and share the joy of music with courage and conviction.
Today, Vika called me by video during the KSOC rehearsal. I got to share my profound gratitude to them for their performance. I saw three clips on Facebook posts, and I felt chill bumps all over. It was wonderful to speak to them directly and complement their amazing talent and skill. The concert was professionally recorded, and we should have it posted to our YouTube channel in the coming days.
So in the coming updates, I will share some of the following items.
The KSOC is starting the process of doing a US Tour in 2023 between mid-February and mid-April. More specifics to come in the weeks ahead.
Our visits to Stara Basan orphanage are happening on a regular basis, and the interaction with the children and staff is incredible. Here are a couple of pictures to encourage you.
The visits bringing humanitarian aid to Ukrainians who have lost their homes and most of their possessions in the Markariv area have already begun. Pastor Ruslan, Serhiy, and Sasha deliver some of the items the families needed (see photo).
The weekly meeting with the special needs children and their parents is growing and meeting a deep need. Some families are beginning to regularly attend our St. Paul’s Church worship services. This is outstanding.
The Thursday Bible study for widows and pensioners continues each week, and deliveries are faithfully made to those who are homebound.
We are starting a new outreach and aid to a large group of IDP (Internally Displaced People) families on the eastern side of Kyiv who have taken refuge from the Donbass regions that have been destroyed or occupied by Russia. Their stories of escape are heartbreaking but also glorious to God’s mercy and protection. Below is a picture of a Bible lesson and of Sasha, who purchased all this food for IDPs and contributed to a positive atmosphere during our fellowship time.
There are so many ways God is allowing us to give, share, and be in a relationship with others in need. Our staff is doing a superb effort and job, with many of them functioning in multiple roles. Thank you for your gifts to support the people we serve in Ukraine. Please continue praying for safety for all our people and for peace to come to Ukraine.
Pray
For the influx of more families from the war-torn areas and the strain it puts on Kyiv.
For the relationships of spiritual care and physical aid we are bringing to new groups and the Kyiv areas.
For our staff and families separated from us and living in Europe.
For wisdom for all of us in leadership to wisely choose where we can help and what is beyond our mission at this time.
For God to open good relationships with the spiritual/civil leaders in the three communities we are pursuing.
For the growing number of wounded soldiers and civilians being treated in Kyiv.
For the KSOC US Tour to come to fruition in 2023. We are long overdue to be back on tour in the USA.
For all our families that are separated and parents and children unable to be together.
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. Remind them we need to do more, and we need to do it now.
Greg
CEO | Music Mission Kiev