Tension is running very high in Ukraine with the approach of the one-year anniversary of the war. It has been expected for a long time that Russia will do something dramatic at this time. It seems like the bombing in the east is relentless. But obviously the whole country is considered under threat on the 23rd and 24th. The schools in our city will be closed for these two days and they will do distance learning as air raid warnings are expected to increase. This morning we had a warning on for two hours. It is expected that Russia will inflict whatever damage possible before Ukraine receives the advanced weaponry promised by many countries.
I came across some interesting verses in Joel 2 today, but verse 13 especially caught my attention: Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster. (ESV) That is our hope—our gracious and merciful God who abounds in love, a theme repeated often in the Old Testament. Ukraine is undoubtedly the most spiritual land in all of Europe, but that is not a basis for prayer. It is that people all across this country are praying, and people around the world are praying for peace in Ukraine. Pray that God would divert disaster from Ukraine especially on these two days.
A side note: Priscilla received word yesterday that her new passport is now in Poland. Pray that it will arrive safely in Kyiv, and that the embassy will be open! When sirens go off everything closes down!
And continue to pray for the Celebration of Prayer planned for next week on Tuesday and Wednesday. It will be a celebration regardless of what happens in Ukraine this week, because, we can always celebrate our Sovereign and Mighty God! He is our God of Hope. Immanuel, God with us—always.
02/23/2023 - Further Prayer update
Priscilla did not receive her passport and is now on the way to Poland to pick it up! That means something like an 18-hour bus ride! One way! Please pray that she will make it to the embassy before it closes tomorrow at 4 PM (Polish time). The bus is scheduled to arrive at 1 PM, but that is not certain because of border crossing—and her bus left late tonight. If she does not make that, she will have to stay in Poland until Monday and then get a bus back here so that very early Tuesday morning they can start traveling to Moldova to get a plane at 9 PM to start an “endless” journey to Australia. She was in Kyiv when the embassy called her that the passport would not make it—until Tuesday morning (not early of course!). So she quickly found a bus and is traveling as is. 
Ah missionary life. The joys and sorrows.
Also, there is a call to prayer and fasting all day tomorrow in Ukraine across all denominations in view of the imminent threat from Russia. What terrible things it takes sometimes to unite us. But I invite you to join in in prayer, and even fasting if you will. They are praying for victory and for peace. And we have the God of Victory, and of Peace. Yes, Lord!
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