Category Archives: seeking understanding

I was so thankful today to be on the phone with our partners when the handoff of the first funds took place. That first infusion of money was going straight to the store to buy supplies for the steady stream of folks stopping in Vinnytsia for some rest as they travel west. Food, personal items, the necessary items for those who left their homes on a hurry as the fighting raged around them.

I was told about a 19 story apartment building that was stuck by a Russian missle. I found this image online.

When I learned the location in Kyiv, it really struck me as I have been through this neighborhood many times on trains or cars as it is not far from the city airport.

Here is the main point: I’m informed that there were no fatalities. Yes, injuries, broke limbs and the sort, but no loss of life. Glory to God!

As I check the news, I am so encouraged by the strength and the confidence of my dear Ukrainians. As a student of Churchill, the parallels between Zelensky / Ukraine to Churchill / England in 1940 are remarkable. Pray for the Ukrainians.

I heard from a brother today in a neighboring former Soviet country who urged the praying for churches and government leaders. Amen! See last night’s post.

Before I prayed myself to sleep last night I meditated on Psalm 30-33. These words stand out:

“In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me! Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me!” (Psalm‬ ‭31:1-2‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

Join me in praying those words for Ukraine.

I learned some sad things today. 1. Captured Russian soldiers say when interviewed that their families do not know where they are. They were told they were going to some part of Russia for training. 2. The Russian government is squelching all news about the war in Ukraine. 3. A Russian cargo plan full of soldiers was shot down in central Ukraine this morning. How many of those families are oblivious to what Putin is doing? Let’s pray for those families who likely don’t know where their sons, husbands and brothers are. Let’s pray for the Russian people who are oppressed and largely oblivious to what is happening.

Pray for peace friends. May God intervene into the heart of Vladimir Putin. Oh God, bring peace.

“In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me! Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me!” (Psalm‬ ‭31:1-2‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

If you’d like to donate to the effort, all the info you need is here:

http://www.ceokids.org/give

I’ve been asked that question several times today. Here’s something:

Pray the Russians repent and turn to God. Pray their planes don’t fly, their tanks don’t drive and their guns misfire and that they turn away from following that minion of Satan that they follow, and that he, like Nebuchadzer finally did, turns to God.

Pray that Ukrainian leaders are filled with wisdom from above and courage like Daniel and the boys, and that they have victory and give glory to God who alone is worthy!
Pray for this baby who was born in a Kyiv subway station tonight:

Pray for the brothers who lead the churches to stand in the strength of God and lead their people in the power of God Almighty to help one another.

Pray that we love as Jesus commanded:
1st God
then neighbor
then one another…

And yes, for one’s enemy.

In the name of our Creator-Redeemer,

Amen.

This evening Ukraine time the first funds were taken from the bank. Thanks be to God!

For 20 years we have been working with the Christian Camp Stream of Love. The last couple of days I’ve dreamed about refugee being cared for in this camp. It has good facilities to care for, I don’t know… a couple of hundred? Dining hall, showers, beds, everything. It’s a camp/conference center.

This afternoon I learned that my dear brother Sergie is housing people who are fleeing the war.

The funds that were taken out tonight will be going to feed those folks. Thanks be to God for provision!

“Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.” (Psalm‬ ‭34:9-10‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

Pray for Ukraine…

Thank you!

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My Dear Friends, Brothers and Sisters in Ukraine,

My heart is heavy as I read and watch the news. This morning as I read the Psalms I have prayed so many of those words over you.

As you are attacked, as you shelter in basements, as you hear the air raid sirens, know that God is beside you. He will give you strength for today.

There is so much in the Bible that I could write to you, but I think these words of Paul expresses my heart for you…

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:3-11‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Even as the attack rages, HE IS WITH YOU!

Remind yourself that God is with you.

Dear other friends who care, please pray for Ukraine.

You may give to help them here: http://www.ceokids.org/give

Thanks for caring.

Earlier today I opened my Psalter and the first reading was Psalm 146. On a day like today it is worthy of a careful reading:

“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul!

I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish.

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets the prisoners free; the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.

The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous.

The Lord watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.

The Lord will reign forever, your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the Lord!” (Psalm‬ ‭146:1-10‬ ‭ESV‬‬)