Dear Friends and Partners,
The following is copied and shared with permission and reflects a deeply personal perspective forged amid the daily suffering and sacrifice caused by the war in Ukraine. This update is offered to inform and encourage your prayerful support for all who are affected by this tragedy. Thank you.
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“18th night of war is descending on Ukraine.
Today all my posts seem to include music. It felt like a lighter day, not because there were fewer air raids but because we were able to get together in the church. Not everybody could come, the church is scattered, but those who could walk to church all came. Being outside of bomb shelters, talking, eating together, encouraging each other with reasons why victory will come soon, praying, and singing together lightened the burden in a very tangible way. The signal of an air raid that came in the middle of the service was ignored – we were aware of it but continued to stay together in our unsafe building. I don’t think anybody felt any fear. God kept us safe.
All-day long I have this song playing in my head. A friend of ours,
Anatoly Lykholai, a pastor of a church in Cherkasy, and his daughter, Kate Lykholai composed this song based on Psalm 91 and our Nikita Shuliahin created this beautiful video. (see above)
Nikita sent me this video late last night and since then I must have watched it 20+ times and I cry every time I see images of the beauty of my country alternating with the ugliness of Russian aggression. When I see unarmed civilians standing against Russian tanks, Ukrainians in occupied Kherson going to the streets with Ukrainian flags pushing puzzled armed Russians my heart swells with pride for our courageous people. When I see how our defenders destroy Russian machines of death I see God’s promise fulfilled: “A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand” (Ps 91:7) “You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.” (Ps 91:13)
We have one country that we will defend. We have a dream that our country will continue to be free and will kneel only before the throne of God. We know this war is not only physical, but it’s also spiritual – it’s a battle between Heaven and Hell, Light and Darkness! We do place our hope in God, we see Him as our Defender. He will help us “not fear the terror of the night” (Ps 91:5). Please, keep praying for God’s peace and courage in our hearts! Pray Psalm 91 with us!
I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13)” ~Maia
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Please share these updates with others. I have added direct links to our email, our website, and to the IP Ministry Journal on YouTube to the bottom of this page. Your prayers are precious to us. Thank you!
In Christ,
Brandy Ezzell
International Partnerships
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