Thanks for praying for Ukraine and our people and associates in ministry there. Now about 30 Russian war ships and a sub are in the Black Sea. Tensions seem to have mounted in the last ten days.
This Russian war ship entered the Black Sea earlier this week along with a total of about 30.
Then we were told Russia may attack on the 14th. Nothing happened.
Today there was a Unity March for Ukraine in the cities. Thousands walked down the streets waiving the flag and singing. Obviously the people are standing for their country.
In other developments Russia indicated they were backing down. At the same time there is a buildup of Russian forces in Belarus which is above the western part of Ukraine. This means Ukraine is even more tightly surrounded by Russian troops.
Our son Caleb and family have elected to stay on in Odessa which remains quiet. ABWE, the mission agency that assists them, called our church the other day to see where we stand as the sending church. They have talked to Caleb and know his desire to continue staying there since many in his new church are staying also and need his guidance and spiritual encouragement. Security sources also agreed on this. Both Pastor Chris and I also feel it is fine to continue on even though the possibility of war exists. Caleb’s father-in-law’s Vladimir is part of our mission team and has lived through these things before…and at one time was part of the Soviet Navy. He also agreed with us. So we feel the Lord is saying “Stay!”
Ironically the next morning Caleb called to let us know that the US has a very large drone flying over Ukraine during the nights keeping watch. Sort of comforting but no a replacement for even one of God’s powerful angels. If you use a Flight Tracker you can see it live. The picture below taken at 8:04 AM. The red line is the course of the drone. There are no other planes flying over Ukraine but that is not too unusual. More importantly there are almost no planes over the Black Sea where the Russian Navy has been doing exercises (with guns I am sure).
Ship Trackers also allow you to see ships in the Black Sea and their direction, speed, type of vessel, registry etc.. Check it out.
Our mission agency ABWE and Kyiv Theological Seminary are mentioned in Christianity Today magazine. Mike Gustafsons, our son-in-law, knows most of the people quoted in this article. Mike also teaches at that seminary. Pray for them too. Click the link below to see the article.
Let us pray about these matter, our missionaries and the people in these countries. Isaiah 1 tells us that the prayers of an unholy people are an abomination to God so we need to look to ourselves first. Then by prayer and supplication we can bring our prayer to God (Phil. 4:6).
More later.
Pastor Mark