Update from American Missionary in Ukraine
Dear friends and family,
I haven't written for a couple of days simply because there hasn't been much that is new to write to you. Surely, we've still had air raid sirens at various times of the day and night, but normally without any following explosions. Last night, though, we could hear many explosions in the distance, and over an extended period of time. Igor told me that, apparently, at a town between us and Kyiv - Vasilkyiv - a depot of Ukrainian military hardware, bombs and ammunition was set afire; hence, all the explosions. Curiously though, we haven't had any further news concerning that. But that's something we've come to expect. It's difficult to know exactly what is going on. What's worse is that we don't know what is coming, and when. I guess that's a primary reason why all of us feel weary most of the time. I suppose that I've at least hinted at this in previous updates . . . the issue of an almost continuous tension. It may not be a conscious matter but is at least subconscious, and wearying.
Some of you are asking about food, etc. At this time we still have everything we need. But in the cities that have been most heavily bombed and besieged that's not the case at all. So, we wonder when it may be our turn to experience the same. Or, when it may be that God draws a line in the sand and says, "Enough!"
Some of you have noted that, in reading the Psalms, it seems as if many of them were written specifically about this distressing time, or at least that David's experiences and emotions were much like thisexperience and our emotions. We have commented to one another about our own observations concerning this. One thing is certain, and that is the wonderful comfort and hope that the Scriptures afford!
Trying to build up a store of funds is happening slowly. It seems that dollars are becoming in shorter and shorter supply at the banks. We can take relatively small amounts of Ukraine's currency each day. We are attempting to take both that and what dollars the bank will dispense. So, each day involves a trip to a bank or two (or more), and the usual waiting in lines.
Tomorrow will likely be different. Some of the churches have volunteered to help in whatever way the authorities ask. Tomorrow it seems that we will gather a number of men and go fill sandbags and transport them to places where the troops need them. I think that, probably, just about any task may be preferable to just waiting and wondering.
Yesterday, Pastor I and I stopped at a checkpoint on one end of the city. One of the soldiers there has been through the church's drug and alcohol rehab center and has often been in church services, as well. He has professed to repent and trust Christ, but the genuineness of his conversion is uncertain. Still, we have a friendly relationship and stopped to speak with him for a while. (Pastor I has sometimes taken food out to that group of soldiers). This soldier asked if we could bring some warmer stockings, as it's been quite cold for soldiers on duty in the cold and on their feet sometimes for many hours. I found several pairs (one supposedly made of dog's hair and one of fine wool), and we will look for an open store where we might be able to purchase more.
As you know, news from Kyiv - so close to us - is disastrous, even though Ukrainian forces are putting up a stiff resistance. The expectation is that, soon, there will be massive street-to-street fighting, with the certainty of a terrible toll of casualties. Let's continue to ask great things of God (and greater), and then expect great things of God! I believe that we have been seeing God's hand at work; but let's implore God to show us, and show the world, His glory!
Some of you write and ask questions. Please be patient and/or tolerant with me if I don't get around to answering each question and email. A couple of days ago I counted more than 1000 emails I've received since this war began. Couple that figure with the fact that I'm far from the best (or even adequate) communicator even in better times.
Some have asked whether I have an exit plan, or whether I will leave soon. Frankly, I am unsure whether I am capable of making that decision. It's a frequent question in my prayers, but it's not an event I like to think about. You might do well to pray that, if it would be God's will at some future time, He would remove all other options so that I know it is by His leading.
I'll stop. It's a good time to try to get some sleep. It's exciting to awaken each morning to quiet and the dawn. But, as you might imagine, it's difficult not to quickly recognize the pit in one's stomach when hit once more with all the uncertainties of the new day. I guess it's a good time to just learn to let God be God, and patiently, joyfully follow Him through this darkness.
O, by the way, I was in Pastor I's church service this morning -- well attended, hearty singing and praises to God even from believers with grave concerns and heavy hearts.
Blessings forever and ever!