PRAISE
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You may have heard that Ukraine has had some major military victories in the past few days. We are always glad for the positive news.
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And one of “Abe’s men” (the men he has been working with and training in evangelism and church planting over the past few years) posted the following note a couple days ago: “Glory to Jesus Christ, brothers. I have a testimony. I am currently abroad and have problems with the language, but this does not prevent me from continuing to tell about God. Yesterday, I went with a friend and talked about God, prayed for people and gave the gospel to 3-4 people. But today I prayed and asked God to help me to be able to tell at least 5 people. Told 6 people. God answers prayers. Every time I talk about God, I see the miracles He does. God helps a lot. So, brothers, stand up and tell people. God will help us.” AMEN!
PRAYER
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Schools in Ukraine have begun. In our city of Rivne some of the schools are open for students to attend, but that is based on whether there are bomb shelters available. They will continue to work on opening more schools. Even with that parents are given the choice of having them attend or doing their education online if they prefer. In many towns and villages in Ukraine there is no choice but to do online, but many students don’t have internet, or a smart phone or tablet to do the work with. This has already been a huge problem during covid. And Priscilla shares about the frustration of the parents, especially single moms. Pray for the children of Ukraine. It is another casualty of war with children being unable to get a proper education. There are many parents who just can’t deal with it. They don’t have the resources. And some of those parents are dealing with survival and trauma…. Lord, have mercy and provide hope.
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Dan and Priscilla have received a list of 26 people who would like to winter with them. They are trying to figure out the logistics of caring for these people, and probably more to come. Most are women and children. People are anxious about leaving their homes because of looters and thieves who even steal the light fixtures and door knobs. But…if there are not options to heat… Pray for Dan and Priscilla as they seek solutions. Pray for these people as they come, and protection for the homes they leave behind.
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Ukraine is encouraged by the recent victories, but Russia is buying more missiles. And in the areas that have been liberated, missiles continue to fall. Russia will seek retribution, continue to sow fear. Another power station has been bombed. They are trying to destroy the infrastructure. Is freedom worth the price? There are Ukrainians across the land who will say yes. And so all of us continue to pray for freedom for Ukraine.
For those who would like to have a deeper insights into the Russian mind and some of the history of Russia a friend has recommended the author Vasily Grossman, a Russian Jew born in Ukraine.
“’Everything Flows’ is a brilliant insight into the Russian mind, a critique of the Revolution, Lenin and Stalin, through the eyes of Ivan, released from the camps after Stalin’s death. It shows how Putin is in a long line of Asiatic despots, how they use the Secret police to maintain repression of freedom, and yet, how freedom, love and kindness can still survive in individuals.
“There are passing references to Ukraine, the 1930s famine and deportations. It explains Zelensky’s continuing emphasis on freedom.
“Grossman also wrote a huge and brilliant book about Stalingrad called Life and Fate, about the horrors of Nazism.”
I have not read this myself—yet. In due time. But I know some of you seek some deeper understanding and this will undoubtedly do that, so I will share it while it is on my mind.
I leave you with a favorite Bible verse. I have many! 😊 They keep my soul encouraged. They keep me look ing up, knowing that the “Son” is on the other side of the clouds.
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