Voice of Ukraine

From: Ira Kapitonova (Day 869)

So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. … And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Matthew 10:26, 28

We read this Bible passage tonight as a family. We just finished our dinner in our apartment hallway because of the air raid, and this passage turned out to be very fitting for the setting. Are Russian missiles scary? Yes, they are, and we do feel fear and anxiety during air raids or extended blackouts. Yet there are things scarier than that. Cruelty, indifference, hardness of heart, selfishness, greed, arrogance… I’m not saying we’re perfect, but living during war is an immunization that brings you back to reality, to things that truly matter. As we were sitting in the hallway reading this passage, I felt peace, knowing that the best type of fear, the fear of the Lord, will keep me safe no matter what.

A little later, I read a report about a Russian pilot from the 22nd Heavy Bomber Aviation Division (this unit is in charge of most missile strikes on Ukraine). After the Russian strike on the children’s hospital, he felt remorse. He reached out to Ukraine’s Intelligence Service and handed over secret documents about his military unit’s activities as well as information and photos of the command staff.
Of course, this does not make him blameless, but hearing that at least one of those war criminals realized what they were doing brings hope to me and reminds me that God is at work and our prayers make a difference.

Lord, send your fear into the hearts of those bringing wickedness upon our land. Remind them that nothing is covered that will not be revealed or hidden that will not be known. Make them tremble in fear, make them fall to their knees, repent, and turn from their ways. Help their stone hearts become flesh again and feel the pain of others. Bring their whole nation to repentance so they would no longer be a threat to anyone. Restore your justice and bring your lasting peace to Ukraine.