19 Days of War in Ukraine
In Ukraine, it is now nighttime, Monday, March 14. The Russian pattern of bombardments and airstrikes are higher during this part of each day. Each morning I wake up and read the updates from our personnel in Ukraine and expect bad news. However, they continue to update me with news of resilient resistance taking place in the capital city, Kyiv.
We have heard from the orphanage in Stara Basan that even though they are now free to flee, they are too afraid to leave. When cars try to leave the area, Russian troops are riddling them with bullets or tank shells. They feel safer where there are rather than trying to evacuate. I am relieved the tanks are gone from the orphanage but it still feels like they are prisoners.
Pastor Ruslan is driving around every day, finding food and medicines and delivering to the people most in need. Here you can see several of our widows and pensioners who have received food and medicines on Sunday or Monday from his deliveries. Today’s headline news agencies report a civilian apartment building that was bombed and set on fire with casualties and some deaths. This building is in Pastor Ruslan’s neighborhood, but he reports he and his elderly mother are still unharmed.
Volodya, our bookkeeper, and his wife Lena, have moved into one of our offices as it is closer to a bomb shelter as well as closer to food and medicine. In their haste to escape their village, Lena forgot her glucometer. Pastor Ruslan is helping to find one for her. We are still praying for insulin to be available for Lena’s health.
Ira Loktionova is also still in Kyiv and calling our widows to see if they are safe and what they need. I continually pray for God to protect all of our people who are helping others despite the threat to their own safety. I know many of you would like an update on the widow or pensioner you sponsor. We hope to share updates when we are out of crisis and survival mode. Until then, please keep praying for them.
The attached video is a personal thank you to Music Mission Kiev from the unit that received the medical tourniquets for wounded soldiers and civilians. You are the reason this was possible. You may not know the language, but I think you can sense the sincere gratitude.
Pray
Pray for Pastor Ruslan’s protection and safety as he continues to make deliveries to the widows and pensioners.
For the orphans and counselors at Stara Basan to stay safe.
For the peace talks to be fruitful on Tuesday, March 15, and in favor of Ukraine.
For Putin and his administration to stop this war and pull out of Ukraine. May key people put pressure on them to cease fire and leave.
For the humanitarian aid to continue to flow into Ukraine without hindrances. Food and medicine are going to be harder and harder to find unless aid gets through.
For greater air support to reach Ukraine and for more anti-air and anti-tank weapons to make it to the Ukrainian soldiers.
For all the Ukrainian military for protection, safety, strength, and courage. They are doing what was thought to be impossible.
For the thousands and thousands of children who are being sent as refugees to other countries to be received and cared for, and also protected from those who prey upon children.
Give
ONLINE: You can give online at musicmissionkiev.org.
CALL: You can still call our U.S. office and donate your credit card. Our office phone number is 407-699-7172.
CHECK: You can also avoid the credit card fees and send a check to Music Mission Kiev, PO Box 161849, Altamonte Springs, FL 32716.
Contact
Take time today and tomorrow to contact your government officials. Even if you have already called or written them, please do so again. Have you noticed how the more we reach out to our congressional leaders, the more the current administration is doing for Ukraine? Ukraine must get a cease fire. They are holding on, but our government can increase the sanctions and penalties on Russia. They are there to represent our interests, so make your voice heard. It is working!
- Greg
CEO | Music Mission Kiev