From: Ira Kapitonova in Kyiv (Day 1248)
But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me.
Psalm 49:15
The calendar says it’s my birthday, and I received lots of kind wishes from my friends from around the world, but there was no party today. Lord willing, I will get a chance to celebrate it another day, but today was a day to celebrate life and say goodbye to someone who gave his life for our country.
My second cousin, someone who always had interesting stories to share and always encouraged me to strive for success, didn’t have to join the military, but he chose to do it. He didn’t complain and had a cheerful attitude whenever we checked on him. In early December, he was reported as missing in action. I remember how my son kept hoping that it was just a communication device problem. Then, he was hoping he was hiding in a safe place. As time went by, we kept praying and hoping for a miracle, searching for him among the POWs. Unfortunately, we received the news that his body had been identified. In a way, it is still a miracle because too many families will never find their loved ones. When I told the news to my son, he took a deep breath and said, “At least he’s not tortured in captivity, and we have the hope of seeing him in eternity.”
In ancient Sparta, there was a saying that a true warrior either returns home from the battlefield with his shield or is carried on it. Our hero returned home today with dignity, on the shield.
So today we celebrated his life. Life that was cut short. Life that was given for many of us in Ukraine. And I encourage you to celebrate with me today. Find a way to honor the memory of those who fell in the battle. Encourage those who are separated from their loved ones. Donate to a worthy cause to help bring victory to Ukraine. Promote the plight for sustainable, just peace in Ukraine. Cherish every moment given by God. Do not let a day go in vain for the days are evil, yet the will of God is our hope (Eph 5:15-17).
Voice of Ukraine 