Voice of Ukraine

From Ira Kapitonova in Kyiv (Day 370):

Make haste, O God, to deliver me!
O Lord, make haste to help me!
Let them be put to shame and confusion
who seek my life!
Let them be turned back and brought to dishonor
who delight in my hurt!
Psalm 70:1-2

The last day of calendar winter is over. Going to bed, our son excitedly asked what would be different tomorrow because of spring. Unfortunately, we had to disappoint him with our answer. I wish a turn of a calendar page could bring great changes and undo the pain and the losses. However, we are grateful that the winter season is almost done with. Back in November, when the days were getting shorter, the massive missile strikes were intensifying, and the blackouts were getting longer, it took all you had to remain positive and hopeful. We didn’t know how we would endure the long winter months. We thank God that He didn’t abandon us, and what enemy intended for resentment, He used for His glory.

I heard my son talking to his classmates during their online lesson tonight. The kids were excitedly discussing the books they read (or had their parents read to them) and recommending new titles to each other. I had tears in my eyes and prayed for these young hearts to remain excited about books and eager to learn. In many interviews with the soldiers fighting on the front lines, when asked why they chose to fight, they say they do it for the children of Ukraine to live in a free country. I believe their answer sets a task for our home front – to bring up children worthy of their sacrifice.

Many of you might remember how dearly we love our son’s school. The team of devoted Christians serving the children of Ukraine, teaching them to honor God in all areas of life, and doing so by their example. Since the beginning of the full-scale war, our school has been seeking opportunities to help our children serve those affected by the war. Last year, they had a “Read for Ukraine” challenge and encouraged the kids to record their reading minutes throughout March. They raised $8,600 for humanitarian aid ($1 was donated for every 10 minutes read by the student). This year, they continue the special tradition of “March is Reading Month” to raise funds for the volunteer military paramedics who are saving the lives of soldiers on the front lines. Our school’s students aim to read for about 50 minutes per day (a total of 1500 minutes of reading by each student by the end of the month). If you want to support our kids and help them help Ukraine, you can fill out the form linked in the comments. I am so grateful that our kids have the opportunity to learn to serve others while fulfilling their deepest longing – helping their country.

Please, pray for our cities and our air defense. The central part of Ukraine is under a drone attack now.