An Update on Ukraine
Hello, Friends of Music Mission Kiev and Ukraine,
I am receiving many calls and emails inquiring about what is happening in Ukraine. Let me share a current update with everyone. First, our mission and people are currently safe and continuing to do the ministry you support. Our staff in Kyiv shared that there is an attitude of vigilant calmness there. They hope yesterday and today’s actions by Russia have been a wake-up call to Europe and NATO. With the sanctions levied against Russia and Russian interest, we pray this will bring us to a stronger and more independent Ukraine.
This recent aggression in the east has not affected the people we serve on the eastern frontlines either. So, the most important news for you to hear is that all of our people are safe at this time. We are doing all we can to help ensure the safety of our staff and the people we serve, as limited as those options are right now.
Second, we will continue to do our ministry programs of investing in people unless there is a change that prevents it. Your monetary support has not been curtailed as it goes directly to Ukraine. Therefore, we can continue to operate in all areas of our mission. No Americans are in Ukraine at this time, and this is one of the benefits of having all Ukrainian leadership installed, which we accomplished in 2019.
For the foreseeable future, I will continue to send you updates to help you know what is going on in Ukraine and with Music Mission Kiev. Our VP of Operations, Serhiy Basarab is very attuned to all that is happening. He has shared some terrific English language websites so you can get the news directly from Ukraine, without the western spin of our news agencies. Here are the three main links he suggested, and I have already found them to be very helpful in understanding all that is happening.
Here's a link to the Kyiv Independent:
https://kyivindependent.com
Here's a link to the English page of the official Ukrainian Information Agency (UKRINFORM):
https://www.ukrinform.net
The analytical magazine The Ukrainian Week will be helpful as well:
https://ukrainianweek.com
On a personal note from me, I am convinced that we are taking care of widows and orphans and sharing the Gospel through incredible sacred music, and God says these things are important. He always supports and embraces poor, broken, oppressed, and underdog in every story. He is the shelter in the storm, including the current events. With that mindset, I have purchased my airline ticket to return to Ukraine in May to re-establish my Temporary Residency, as long as travel restrictions are lifted. I believe we are going to continue to do great things in Ukraine.
Please continue to pray and support our mission. We are not leaving or stopping any ministry until we are left with no other option.
Grace and Peace,
Greg