Ira (Kyiv))
After the sorrowful few days, I’m searching for strength in simple things, and I’m coming to the Lord for comfort and counsel.
Blessed be the Lord, my rock,
who trains my hands for war,
and my fingers for battle;
he is my steadfast love and my fortress,
my stronghold and my deliverer,
my shield and he in whom I take refuge
Psalm 144:1-2
I believe that God has a role for each one of us in this war. And He is faithful to train and strengthen us. And I know this war goes far beyond the state borders of Ukraine. Every day, many people face a choice to pick up their “swords” and “shields” and fight for the truth or to surrender to the circumstances or accept the bribe of a comfortable and seemingly safe life and not think about the long-term consequences.
I praise God for the people who choose to stand against evil, defend the oppressed, care for the wounded, and intercede for the broken. I praise God for the people ready to sacrifice their immediate comfort to share the burden of those in pain.
I praise God that He never leaves us. I shared about Yulia Paievska (“Taira”), who was recently released from Russian captivity. She gave a few interviews about her time in a Russian prison. She said she was under constant pressure there, and they wanted to break her spirit. To resist it, she was praying through Psalm 91, which she had memorized, and it kept her going.
God prepared her for that experience, was present with her throughout it, and gracefully delivered her. I believe God is doing the same with each one of us as long as we are faithful in seeking Him.
(Al)
Please continue to fight together with us in this battle through your prayers which area extremely important, because we do not fight against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces in high places. We need the whole family around the world to continue in prayer.
Pray for our DTS that starts this week in Ternopil, there is so much healing that needs to take place and these young people need discipleship and lot’s of love. It won’t be without struggle, please pray daily for them.
This tragic bombing that took place in Vinnytsia really shook up many people, it was so unexpected, it was in the far western peaceful part of Ukraine where many have taken refuge. It’s like the enemy saying, “you have no place to run.” He wants to instill fear in the hearts of people. Pray for peace to come to their hearts.
Al Akimoff and the Slavic Ministries Team