25 Days of War in Ukraine
Today was a mix of good news and bad news. Over 10 million people in Ukraine have had to flee from their homes to a safer area. That is almost 25% of their entire population. Many moved to the western side of Ukraine in the regions around Lviv. For the past several days, there has been speculation among Ukrainians about the potential threat of Belarussian soldiers joining Russian forces to try and conquer the western regions of Ukraine, according to the information Serhiy received. This is a major concern for all the refugees in that area.
Another sobering bit of information is the news that at least one of our employees witnessed some horrible actions while trapped in their own village. When the war is over, should there be war criminal trials in Nuremberg, this person may be asked to testify against the Russian atrocities. Can you imagine what it is like to live the rest of your life with these memories?
Pastor Ruslan held St. Paul’s Church service online Sunday. Only eight people joined, but they expect larger participation next Sunday. They took time to worship and thank God for sparing lives and praying for those still in harm’s way.
The director at Stara Basan asked for more food and medicine for the orphans, and we are sending a driver on Monday with more supplies for them. We communicate daily with the orphanage.
There are two widows living in one of our office apartments. They had to abandon the area of Kyiv in which they lived due to bombing. They asked if they could use the kitchen to make meals. Of course we said they could, and they also share with others. I was delighted our properties can be utilized in this way until the war ends. Pastor Ruslan continues to continue to bring food and supplies to them. The pictures are two of the widows in our sponsorship program who have received food and medicine through Ruslan’s efforts.
Valentina Smirnoff, one of our long-time employees, had to flee Kyiv this week because of bombing and is now a refugee in Poland. It is good to know she is now safe. We still have people in Kyiv who have said they are not leaving unless their neighborhoods come under fire. They can still get food and medicines, and several of our team are still delivering them to the widows at their own peril.
“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for their friends,” according to John 15:13. These are the actions of those fighting for Ukraine. They are also the actions of those behind the scenes helping our widows in Kyiv. I honor the sacrifice and risks they are taking for the most vulnerable.
Pray
Several people from our group are very sick and need God’s healing. Their family members taking care of them are exhausted with little help available.
For food and medicine to continue to be available in the cities under siege.
For the West to put more pressure on ending this war today.
For the war crimes against humanity to cease by all means possible.
For the continued safety of the orphans and counselors remaining in Stara Basan.
For the coordination and efforts of the many organizations helping provide food and shelter for millions of refugees.
For protection of the elderly who have difficulty getting to the bomb shelters quickly.
For the safety of all Ukrainians in harm’s way. May God protect them and help them sustain their efforts to repel the attacks.
Give
ONLINE: You can give online to musicmissionkiev.org
CALL: You can still call our U.S. office and donate your credit card. Our office phone number is 407-699-7172.
Send a check payable to Music Mission Kiev, PO Box 161849, Altamonte Springs, FL 32716.
Contact
I cannot overemphasize this enough. Please, take time to contact your government officials. Even if you have already called or written them, please do so again. We are almost to 4 weeks of war and it must stop. It is time for more action from our government.
Greg
CEO | Music Mission Kiev