On February 24, a real war broke out in Ukraine. The Russian dictator Putin launched a brutal rocket attack on several cities in the country, a huge number of tanks and other military equipment entered our land, and there were attempts to seize airports and land troops in various parts of the country. The Russians, whose army was considered the second strongest in the world, were counting on blitzkrieg, panic in the country, and the seizure of government institutions in Kyiv.

After that, their agency in the country and the remnants of pro-Russian people in the regions were supposed to be intensified, to welcome the "new government" and recognize it by the decision of local authorities. This was meant to become a "snowball" that would quickly roll Ukraine under the full control of Russia. But what is happening is almost a miracle. Ukrainians are resisting fiercely. It turned out that our country has managed to restore the army, and our military is showing fantastic heroism and military skills.

People across the country are building barricades, setting up volunteer garrisons, and donating huge sums of money and other resources to strengthen our army and care for refugees and the wounded. At the same time do not lose heart, show the wonders of creativity and unexpected actions. In fact, there are no reliable reports of betrayal, looting or desertion.

While President Zelensky, a former comedian of whom many Ukrainians were very critical, demonstrates the wonders of heroism and decisive actions, becoming a truly powerful commander-in-chief, Putin has so far failed to seize any significant cities. Putin's plans are collapsing before our eyes. The only question is how much damage (will he) bring to Ukraine and the world.

In this new life, there are completely different priorities and agendas. We need to survive the day and learn if our friends and families in other cities are alive. Each day now starts with a traditional prayer meeting, where we receive encouragement and support from God and from each other. Then all our team, our neighbours, and people from the city try to do something to be helpful - buy essentials for orphans and those taking refuge in bomb shelters. We go to visit to support them and just to distract them from all they worry about. We organize first aid training, prepare bomb shelters, purchase necessary medicines, and feed the military departments and the volunteers who come to help. We continue to be of spiritual support for our community and real Shelter for all who need it. Ukraine amazes the world and proves to itself once again that we are indomitable, courageous, loving, and strong. And we learn even more to appreciate and enjoy such everyday things as falling asleep and waking up in our beds, being able to hug our loved ones, eating hot food, not hearing shelling, and seeing the blue sky. It is impossible to enjoy this when houses are burning in the surrounding cities, explosions and shelling are heard, children are crying, and the wounded are suffering. But in our trying to live, we proclaim the victory of life over death, the victory of faith and hope over despair and despondency.

We are grateful to friends and strangers around the world for their incredible support! Thankful to God for everything we have! We believe in the best for our wounded country!

Prayer Request:

Pray for resources and support to strengthen our army and care for refugees and the wounded.