Voice of Ukraine

From Ira Kapitonova in Kyiv (Day 340):

I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart;
I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;
I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.
Psalm 40:10‭

As we approach the one-year anniversary of the current invasion, it’s getting harder to come to terms with the fact that this war will not be over soon. Some experts talk about 2-3 years, while others emphasize that pushing Russian troops out of the territory of Ukraine will not stop this war unless deep changes take place in Russia. Our only hope is in the Lord, who knows His plans and His timing.

When there are no victorious reports from the frontline, it is easy to grow weary and start doubting if your prayers make any difference. However, we must remember that God is at work even when we don’t see or don’t notice it.

Last week, I saw a video of a soldier emphatically thanking for the prayers. He showed a muddy road he took at night without headlights (to be invisible to the enemy). When he returned there in daylight and checked the tire tracks, he was amazed. There were mines on the side of the road, just a few centimeters from where his tires were. One landmine was in the middle of the road, and his car passed over without setting it off. He showed that spot and asked to keep praying because he was confident that prayers make a difference.

Please, pray for Bakhmut, Vuhledar, and Avdiivka – the most intense portions of the frontline.

Pray for the Kherson region – Kherson City and the liberated districts are shelled every day, sometimes with the use of forbidden incendiary ammunition. They hit a hospital, a bus station, a post office, and a few other buildings in the downtown area today, killing 3 people and injuring at least 5 people. The still-occupied parts of the region are under severe pressure, with children illegally deported to Russia and people forced out of their homes and jobs for no reason.

Pray for Kharkiv – a missile hit a 4-story apartment building tonight. So far, there is a report of 1 dead and 3 injured, but the figures are not final.

Lord, show your power, steadfast love, faithfulness, and mercy!

May all who want to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace. May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!” be appalled at their own shame. But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!”
Psalms 40:14‭-‬16 (NIV)