Voice of Ukraine

From Ira Kapitonova in Kyiv (Day 451):

He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
Psalm 1:3

The spring has entered its full force and brought planting season with itself. I am reminded of the same period last year. Last year, we were planting grandma’s vegetable garden with complete uncertainty – the Russians had just retreated from the North of Ukraine, we were experiencing a fuel shortage (fuel storage facilities had been bombed), and you could barely find any salt in a store (the invaders started attacking Soledar and Bakhmut, the leading producers of salt). A trip to a supermarket was full of surprises. You could never know which supplies were in stock because of the chaos in logistical chains – there could be no rice but lots of ice cream or no eggs but lots of exotic fruits. We learned to take what was available and enjoy the sense of adventure.

Those are just memories now. During the summer of last year, we saw supply chains restored and reinvented, and our lives gained more stability. Life started feeling more ordinary, at least when it came to covering basic necessities.

This year, we are planting a vegetable garden again. Last year, we thought the army or displaced people might need our produce. This year, as we plant, we want to believe that by harvest time, we will need vegetables for a festive meal, celebrating our victory. Wouldn’t it be nice? We’ve seen God do a lot in the past year, so I know it is possible for Him.

One of the examples of God’s miracle is a serious breakthrough in providing military aid to Ukraine. Earlier this week, the UK announced the launch of an international coalition of countries to train Ukrainian pilots on modern fighters (including F-16s). The initial alliance included the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and Portugal. Today, it was confirmed that the USA would join the efforts of other countries to train Ukrainian pilots and will not stand in the way of providing Ukraine with fighter jets. In the coming months, it will be determined when planes will be delivered, who will provide them, and how many fighter jets Ukraine will receive.
A year ago, this decision seemed surreal. Even a few months back, when Ukraine’s allies decided to provide modern tanks, everyone said that was the limit and that we shouldn’t even dream about getting airplanes. We see that God’s faithfulness is greater than any prognosis of a military expert.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23)