“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:16

The Ukraine is very much in the news right now.  Russia has sent its army over the border in an unprovoked attack on a sovereign country.  It’s hard to watch the chaos and mayhem that has erupted in that beautiful country!  We were inspired when we heard President Zelenskyy refuse a ride to safety and say, “The fight is here; I need ammunition, not a ride.”  Whoever thought a former comedian, although a brilliant lawyer, would have the admiration of the free world?  Some of the stories coming out of the country bring hope and despair.  Relatives are asking for fervent prayers for a young couple from Texas, the wife is 38 weeks pregnant, missionaries to Ukraine and they are attempting to leave in safety.

Here is a post from a pastor in Lviv.  He wants us to know God is still working miracles when His people pray!  He says:  This is what Igor, a pastor in Lviv posted last night.  “Please tell your people, because of their prayers, God really fights our battles.  The rockets disappear in the air without reaching our homes and no one knows where ‘did they go.’  Enemy tanks run out of fuel, Russian troops get lost and ask our locals for food and directions – that is definitely God because we are dealing with the second strongest army in the world.  This morning Kyiv and other major cities are still free and we, in Lviv did not have to run to the basements.”  

Here is a post from a friend, John McDonald whose company has an office there.  He says, “Ukraine is a free country with a democratically elected leader.  In 20 years, I have never experienced any corruption, the average professional is very anti-corruption.  When I arrived, it was a run down former ex-soviet state where tap water was only available a few hours per day, and even a money transfer was hard.  Now the city is a vibrant, European cultured city with great architecture and amazing restaurants.  The economy is booming! The Ukrainian army is doing exceedingly well.  Morale is high – not a single one of our employees would leave the country when given the chance.  With new weapons and aid arriving daily, we hope the tide will turn, Putin come to his senses and Ukraine emerge stronger and freer!”

Here’s another post by Robert Morgan:  “Do you know Ukraine is the main missionary-sending country for Eastern Europe and Central Asia?  The church is very strong.  As far as Europe is concerned, the Ukrainian church is perhaps the strongest and is doing the most for education, training, and sending out workers.  One Seminary professor said, ‘Even in the midst of uncertainty and ominous threats, the students are trying to keep their focus on Jesus.  An invasion by Russia is Satan’s way of disrupting this.’  Missionaries have difficult choices about staying or leaving.  Putin is an anti-Jesus man of ruthless intent who will stop at nothing to reestablish the USSR.  Events are unfolding on some sort of prophetic timeline, and it behooves us to watch and pray.  These are not ordinary times.  You and I need to be committed to Jesus, the King of kings!”

Here is an update from a Pastor in Kylv:  Ukraine’s servicemen testify: “We feel your prayer support.  Sometimes something really inexplicable happens, as if someone’s invisible hand takes bullets and shells away from us, and they fly past.  We emerge victorious from very difficult situations as if someone is accompanying us.  We become invisible to the enemy, we see clearly in the darkness and in difficult situations, we know exactly what to do!  It inspires us and gives us strength.  We believe the Lord Jesus Himself is for Ukraine.  We ask you not to stop, continue to pray!”  The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective,” James 5:16.  Today, we are all Ukrainian!

Your friend, Jean