There was not a lot of news to report today, here ae some reflections from Ukraine, it’s a bit long but puts some very important people into focus and thus into our prayers.
As I read the news today, I realized there didn’t seem to be anything big to report.
The Russian army keeps destroying our homes, killing our people, bombing and shelling our cities…
Our army stands strong and brave fighting the enemy, and our whole nation joins them with every fiber of our being.
As I was reflecting on today, I thought I’d like to tell you more about our heroes. Most people in the West have already heard our president speak, and yes, he represents our country, but I would like you to know about people who won’t be shown on TV but who are true heroes of Ukraine:
- Hundreds of thousands of men and women who joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine and Territorial Defense Forces during the first days of the war – they don’t consider themselves heroic, they simply respond to the urge to defend their nation.
- Firefighters and rescue teams – they are the ones dealing with the aftermath of bombing and missile strikes, and often they have to do their job under shelling.
- Doctors, nurses, and all medical care professionals – they work 24/7, conduct surgeries in bomb shelters, provide assistance over the phone if they can’t be there in person. They see pain and death every day, yet they fight them with all their strength.
- The often underestimated “working class” – those who make sure we have electricity, heat, water supply, and those who faithfully empty garbage cans. We tend to take it for granted, but we should remember those who make it happen.
- All the drivers who help evacuate people, bring in supplies, deliver goods to stores – they spend hours behind the wheels, they go down endangered routes, yet it is thanks to their effort that “ordinary” life continues even under Russian bombs.
- People who work at stores and pharmacies – it may not sound like a lot, but would you be able to come to work every day “as if nothing happened” because so many people depend on you?
- All volunteers, from those who send supplies from abroad to those who raise funds, to those who manage communication, to those who do whatever has to be done (YWAM Kyiv) – they do it not because they are paid for doing it, but because they are called to it.
- Teachers – they are my heroes in peaceful times but even more so now. Imagine finding time in all this craziness to prepare a lesson, and then gracefully conduct it online when your students are scattered all over the world or perhaps you have new students who had to flee from their homes and end up in your class. Today, teachers offer our children not only knowledge but the much-needed love and support.
- Everyone who has a job and keeps working – we desperately need those who would keep our economy going despite the war. I admire those who choose to focus on doing their job well when they’d rather check the news, I applaud those who pay the bills, pay their taxes, and financially support our army and those in need.
- Moms – another category of everyday heroes who shine even brighter in these dark days. All the moms of young children who make staying in bomb shelters fun (one mom told her children that the sounds of explosions are actually giants farting)), who literally cover their children with their bodies, and all the moms of adult children who send their sons to war and spend days worrying about them and praying for them. Is there greater love?
- Zoo activists and pet owners – it is so easy to forget about animals when so many humans are in pain, yet there are those who rescue pets that were left behind, provide food for them and organize evacuation.
- Thousands of people who opened their hearts and homes to welcome refugees – 6.5 million people within Ukraine and over 3 million Ukrainians abroad have been welcomed into (temporary) homes, have been offered support, have been shown solidarity. Even the least “significant” help says “I care,” and this in itself brings us closer to our victory.
- Millions of people across the globe who daily pray for Ukraine – the prayer warriors who stand by us and wage the war with darkness.
The true unity of the body of Christ. Living out Philippians 2:1-2:
“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”
It is an incredible blessing to experience it.
Please, pray for these heroes and other “ordinary” people doing extraordinary things amid war.
I often quote Romans 8:31: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” I don’t think I fully realized the extent of this statement until I read a report about a Russian plane that was brought down by wild geese. It happened yesterday in Kherson region. The bird(s?) flew right into the plane’s engine causing it to crash in a swamp. Did it happen by chance or was it orchestrated by the Almighty Creator of all? It is up to you to decide. As for me, I will say, “Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty!” (Rev 15:3)
Urgent need for prayer, there is a lot of talk of an attack with gas or chemicals. The government is sending out warnings and there is lot’s of fear or this. Please pray against this!
Thank you for your prayers!
Al Akimoff and the Slavic Ministries Team