Yulia (Kyiv)
Today we went to a village in Chernigov region but on our way we got turned down at the check point because bridges were blown off.
We stood there for a moment and decided to check villages right by the check point.
Yagidne
When we drove more into the village we saw a picture that you would not be able to imagine. I will not show you here all those destroyed houses and streets but I will show shoes of those people who came into our land, walked it’s soil bringing death and distraction wherever they go.
These shoes were shown to us by one of the village ladies Natalia. She told us stories how they were locked in a school for 30 days, using a bucket instead of toilet and share it with other 35 people. Elderly people couldn’t handle such tuff conditions and 8 of them died before seeing freedom.
We grieving together and praying for comfort and God’s love to cover each heart that experience loss right now.
We were able to distribute 160 bags of food and people were so happy to see us and ask not to forget about them and come back again.
We pray that God would touch their hearts tonight and warm their houses, as they sleeping in the dark and cold…but there are no Russian soldiers in their houses and that’s why they can sleep in peace.

Day 48
One highlight
Whenever I ask people to pray for them, they always so open and want to receive a prayer, they listen to each word and in the end giving big hug of gratefulness. I could definitely tell that the faith level of Ukrainian nation gone up and this is something to be rejoicing over.

Olga (Kyiv)
Since the siege began on Mariupol evacuations to the
Ukraine territory about 150 thousand residents.
About 120 thousand people remain in the city.
60 thousand people await evacuation in settlements around Mariupol.
Tens of thousands of people Russian forcefully deported to the most depressive regions of Russia – to Siberia, Sakhalina, the Far East.
Source: Mayor of the city Vadim Boychenko

Teams are working overtime bringing people out of the Eastern towns in preparation for the expected bombing that is to take place in the next days. Pray that many will be saved and for the safety of the teams involved.
There are reports of propaganda that is being spread around the East and in Crimea about Ukrainian atrocities stirring up people against Ukraine prior to the battle that is to come.

Please continue to pray that the spiritual powers in high places would be defeated in the heavenlies.

Thank you for praying and giving,

Al Akimoff and the Slavic Ministries Team

In the midst of this transition time in the war, here are some reflections on the past and some thoughts on the future.

Olga
More than 10 thousand civilians have already been killed in Mariupol. This in stated the mayor of the city Vadim Boychenko
The number of dead can exceed 20 thousand. Mariupol has been in a blockade since March 1. Over 90% of the buildings there are destroyed. There are about 120,000 civilians in the city now who are in desperate need of food, water, warmth and communication.

The Ukrainian railway has become a “road of life” for millions of Ukrainians who were forced to evacuate from the hottest points of our country.
Today, this road brings back to life those who were there a moment before their death.
Part of the evacuation trains heading from eastern Ukraine were re-equipped i as a hospital. Our hero-medics provide medical care right in the wagons. Professional, fast, courageous and so caring, as long as the road allows.
We are proud of you – our rescuers! You are the heroes without whom our path to victory would be impossible!

News of the war:

• Due to bombing and shelling by the armed forces of the Russian Federation 938 educational institutions were damaged. 87 of them are completely destroyed.
• Russians hold nearly 1700 Ukrainian military and civilians in captivity, including 500 women.
• The UN recorded 1842 cases of death and 2493 cases of injuries of the civilian population of Ukraine, in total 4335 victims of the Russian full-scale invasion.

Anya
EAST!!
Let’s pray for the East and South of Ukraine, as Russia is getting ready to concentrate their efforts on taking over the eastern part of our nation. And now we know how it looks when Russia takes over: Bucha, Irpin, Gostomel, 20 smaller villages- just around Kyiv – those are the places where we were able to see and investigate. Extreme violence and destruction.
This is where our team now delivering aid and is out every day to comfort people. We are also in the east, getting people out as people are facing the threats of more!
Now we can predict what Russian occupation looks like. East has been fighting for all these days and we have only some of the reports back.
We have also seen miracles and we need MORE!

Vicky
Praying friends. This week military operations are expected to escalate.
Ukraine needs around the clock prayer. Please invite friends to pray with you. We have seen favor and heartache.
Psalm 79…captures it best:
Help us, O God of our salvation,
for the glory of Your Name;
deliver us, and atone for our sins,
for your name’s sake!
Why should the nations say,
“Where is their God?”
Let the avenging of the outpoured blood of your servants
be known among the nations before our eyes!

Can we do that, can we draw around us friends, prayer warriors, churches, intercession groups and let’s pray as we have never prayed before.

Al Akimoff and the Slavic Ministries Team

The news and reports coming in these past few days are of horrible atrocities in the towns and villages in the wake of the Russian withdrawal from the Kyiv area. Here is a report from someone who found something else.

Diana
In the village of Ivankiv, the war seems to be over, but the need of people still remains, despite the circumstances. This is the second time I’ve come to this village. People here are very open and ready to take everything, without whims. They all greeted us with smiles and joy on their faces, despite the gloom, in their hearts. When I was handing out packages with Katariina, I noticed one thing: before they take a grocery set, a flashlight, shampoo, diapers, etc., they think about their neighbor. Each of them lets each other go forward, even though the man was standing in front of the man behind him. I was surprised how this war situation did not affect humanity and love for others. And surprised how such a small village teaches such a great example as: «love your neighbor as yourself».
Jesus gave his life for this example.
The life of Jesus was like this small village, not visible to people, but it was necessary to enter it twice, to see how much such an imperceptible act carries something great and necessary to the world today.
This trip to the village opened my eyes to the fact that there are still 10 righteous people in the world through whom the whole city can be saved.
It seems that we have reached the conclusion that it is necessary to have only 10 righteous to save everyone, but no!
All it takes is one, Jesus Christ, the one righteous man who saved the world. And through his death and resurrection, he showed how important it is to love your fellow man.

Chad
Today I received an incredible letter and report from Chad from Austrailia.
He was with a YWAM team doing evacuations from Kramatorsk and Slavansk.
They were driving right by the train station on Friday when the Russian rocket hit the train station. They had with them tourniquets and wound seals
that he had felt he should buy and bring with him to Ukraine. One more example of God and His timing and of His servants hearing His voice.
Prayer works!

Al Akimoff and the Slavic Ministries Team

Just a little break from war reports, there are so many human interest and (animal) stories coming out of Ukraine as well.
Oleg (Kyiv)
A few days ago we had the privilege of teaming up with Екатерина Львова to collect and donate some feeder and pillows to the shelter for our four-legged friends. Thank you to all those who care for remembering the furbabies even in such extremely difficult times.

Namysłów – civic initiatives in Poland
Refugees from Ukraine thank the Namysłowians.
Today before noon a group of refugees from Ukraine in a social activity cleaned the recreational areas above Vidava in gratitude for support, care and protection from aggression by Russia.

And in Romania, Ukrainian children and their mothers donated flowers to the people of Bucharest (Romania), thanking them for their support and warm welcome in Romania.
There are so many heartwarming stories coming out of Ukraine and the borders of the goodness of humanity and brotherhood. Ukrainians are so grateful to those taking them in, both in Ukraine and border lands. They tell of the incredible kindness of people taking them into their homes, making a place for them in their schools for their children, giving them jobs and taking care of their medical needs.

As teams move into the areas where Russian troops have retreated, they are extremely busy bringing food and relief to people who have been hidden in homes and basements for 4 to 6 weeks. At the same time they are busy taking people out of the eastern cities where they are expecting a serious attack in the next days and weeks.

Would you continue to pray for this situation as it seems the situation will worsen in the days to come.

Al Aimoff and the Slavic Ministries Team

Yulia (Kyiv)

Why we do it ?
Because of them.
People who end up without a home, fleeing and leaving everything behind. People who think that there is no one who can or will help. It is such a blessing to be a shelter for them for a short time, to be able to give simple things as food and hygiene, to let them feel cared about and loved.
Today we rescued 27 people
Delivered 160 bags to the liberated village in Kyiv region.
We got so much awaited humanitarian aid this evening and tomorrow morning with fresh energy will unload it. That means that we can reach out to many people and help them to have basic things.
It is so beautiful to see how we came together to support each other in this time. Ukrainian, Polish, Romanian, Check, Slovak, American, Canadian, German, Dutch … this list can go on and on and this is amazing. This is the most vivid image of body of Christ I have seen in my life.
Day 44

From Yulia (Kyiv)
So grateful for so many loving people around the World.
Today have been unloading and sorting all aid that came in huge amount we haven’t seen before. This is so timely as we just got connected with more villages in Kyiv and Chernigov regions that need help with food and hygiene.
Our drivers left to the East of Ukraine for evacuation runs and have been driving 40 people out to safety since yesterday. Please pray for their safety and God’s protection over people and cars.
We are tired but exited to see God’s provision which means that he will open up more ways to help and bring hope to people.
Day 44

In Kyiv from the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion 208 residential houses, 46 schools, 29 kindergartens and 1 orphanage were damaged
13 administrative buildings, 2 sports facilities, 5 social sector objects, 17 health care, 10 cultural sector, 48 transport infrastructure objects.
The city together with professional specialists continues to account for damaged infrastructure objects. All these objects will be taken into account, experts will determine the degree of damage. After this, their gradual recovery will begin.

Cluj, Romania
We just finished loading a big truck with supplies for Ukraine!
A huge thank you to everyone who got involved! We are overwhelmed with your generosity and so blessed to partner with you!

Al Akimoff and the Slavic Ministries Team

Our team in Poland is going back and forth from Ukraine to Poland, helping people carry their luggage. They are joined by YWAMers from Spain, Finland, Mozambique, Romania, Japan, Singapore, Russia, Portugal, and Poland. One of the MercyWorks staff is taking a load of supplies to our co-workers inside Ukraine. I love this!

“The Y Team arrived at the train station just two minutes after the station was bombed. Fortunately, the team was okay. They immediately began to help and transport people out from the station. Please pray for the safety of the team. They realize they cannot help everyone, but want to walk in wisdom to who they can help.
Today the Y leaders are meeting with officials to see how they can help in Kyiv. We have two trucks heading our way with supplies. So grateful, since our warehouse has been empty. Please pray for this to be a weekly delivery of supplies. There are drivers willing to drive to Kyiv so having supplies would really help. Thank you.”

Anya (Kyiv)
Let’s not be naive .The enemy is working even when we don’t see it.
As we know the past few days Russian troops were pulling away from Kyiv. We have now Kyiv region liberated and we have seen the horrors of war: violence, extreme cruelty, inhumane acts of hatred.
The enemy is changing his strategy.
Some say he is regrouping to strengthen the attack on the East, like East hasn’t had enough of his presence. His plan is to take two regions: Luhgansk and Donetsk.
Some say he will take the land passage to Crimea.
Some say he will go South as far as Odessa and get the Port there.
Some say he will destroy the sowing season and leave Ukraine starving next year.
Some say he will attack Kyiv again, as the troops are gathering at the Belarus border.
Some say he will destroy infrastructure and make Ukraine UNLIVABLE.
Whatever it is, we know that the enemy is scheming – it is not a new thing for us.
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” We don’t need to wait for an action from the enemy, we WILL STAND against the SCHEMES .
Lets stand together now, lets pray against the success of the enemy that tries to steal, kill and destroy!! Whatever the plan is we pray against it.
Daniel says: But the rock that struck the statue became a huge mountain and filled the whole earth. Nothing will stop the Kingdom of God!

This next week there will be a need for much more food and supplies in these liberated areas. There will also be many more people taken out of the destroyed cities like Mariuple, Kharkiv and others. There are still thousands of people stranded in these places. Negotiations are going on right now for some large transports of food and supplies. Pray for all those involved in these efforts and thank you for your prayers and giving. Your giving is making all of this possible.

Al Akimoff and the Slavic Ministries Team

“Boots on the Ground”
How many times have we heard the NATO leaders and American President say “No boots on the ground…”?
Who needs boots when you have (tennis shoes) or what we might call Nikes today. We have a whole army of Nike clad young people who are doing incredible things. These shoes are far better than boots for climbing 10 flights of stairs, decending into basements and carrying bags of food or carrying out grandmas. God has an army and they are doing amazing things in Ukraine today and they need our prayers.

Here is a fresh report from that army:

Hi friends.
Yesterday was a very difficult physically and emotional day.
Thanks to the great work of Sergei and his team God made it possible to send 15 humanitarian aid vehicles to Gostomel, Bucha, Borodyanka and other villages.
I was very pleased to see how God united many different people, meet friends from different cities, Kovel, Dnepropetrovsk God united all of us for a common cause, to bring love and care for those who suffered from the Russian genocide.
Friends, I must say that it is very difficult for me to describe everything I saw in ordinary words… There is a lot of anger, anger and not understanding inside how this could be done???
Looking at the destroyed cities and shot cars, seeing the eyes of frightened people, I want to cry with them.
People told terrible stories about the violence and the brutal attitude of Russian soldiers, about murders, robberies and looting. It’s hard to believe that a person could do this …
One question that we were asked by men, women, grandmothers in every house, will the Russians return to us again???
In the eyes of people there was a fear to experience this again they would not be able to… On this trip, God gave comfort and hope to people, we said with firm confidence that now this is our Earth again, Jesus the Lord is with us!!! We will win!!!
I want to thank all the people who prayed for my trip and who helped collect such a large load of humanitarian aid.
About 600 people were able to receive food packages, medicines and sleeping bags, potatoes, onions, and bread.
Thanks to everyone who cares about Ukraine with love and helps us shine where the light has faded.

There are so many unsung heros in this war, they are young and they are dedicated, they are disciples. They deserve our prayers and support. And maybe when this is over we can donate a new pair of shoes to each one.
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.”

These next days will be very challenging as they go into these newly liberated towns and cities that are still under siege.
There are still thousands of people stranded in those basements.
Please Pray!

Al Akimoff and the Slavic Ministries Team

Kyiv
Please pray for liberation of Chernigiv, Mariupol, Kherson, Kharkiv, Donbas. Pray against the schemes of the enemy as he is changing the strategy. Pray for the world leaders and their response to this ongoing agony of suffering.
As far as our team: pray for supplies, we are low again. There is a great need in the liberated villages and we want to be able to answer to it. Also pray for emotional strength as we are seeing the devastation on the war on people, we face the loss and the tears. We want to bring God the Comforter and God of Good.

Anya (Kyiv)
“Extreme Inhuman Cruelty” are the words used to expressed today’s discovery of Bucha, outskirts of Kyiv that was liberated by our defence forces.
“Never again” were the words after the WWII.
The world must respond!!
Let’s pray for the world to STAND UP for the value of human life!!
God have mercy!!

Marie (Kyiv)
Take whatever you want; we will pay for it. That’s what we said to Alexander. He is from the Russian-occupied part of the country. He said okay and came back with two bags of frozen dumplings.
We noticed this grandpa on our daily supermarket trip. The prices have doubled, and there is no way an average pensioner can buy even the most basic products. This is why whenever we see older people in the store or on the streets, we always make sure to check on them. Truth be said, in most cases, they are even more happy to simply talk to someone than about the care package itself.
We made sure that grandpa Alexander went home with two big bags of groceries so that he does not need to worry about food for the next two weeks. We also gave him our number and asked him to let us know if he needed anything.
We were able to be a blessing because of your gracious giving. Thank you from Alexander.

Al Akimoff and the Slavic Ministries Team

Marie and Alexander

Once more we read the words of Marie, she has truly become a war correspondent bringing to life for many of us, taking us right onto the frontlines with her heartfelt reports.

The sky has been silent for the last two days. But there is no relief. It is a scary silence.
It’s a silence filled with images from the liberated villages north of Kyiv. Now the whole world knows Irpen, Bucha, Borodyanka.
It’s a silence filled with the misery of those left behind. We were shocked at the sight of an elderly home we visit regularly. 25 new people, all thrown into a single room, on matrasses on the floor, without bedding, without anything except the clothes they wore.
The sight, the smell, the desperation. It would be so easy to just drop off the groceries, turn your back, and leave. We know they have parasites. Every time we return home we check each other’s heads. Welcome to the new reality of ministry in a war zone.
But we are following a different master. Not our human instincts.
When this master touched any uncleanness, it did not infect him; but his holiness healed everything unclean. I believe the same power is resting on us. So as we walk into the room, I remember my husband’s stories from ministering in a leprosy colony in India. About the smell, the abhorrent sight.
My friend starts to sing. I and the other girl go around and sit with the elderly; talk with those who can, feed those who can’t help themselves. All of their stories start with, “my daughter left Kyiv, and she could not take me”. “The younger generation needs to live their lives, I already lived mine”. “They had no place to put me, so they dropped me here”. It is heartbreaking. There are so many new people, that they have their names written on their arms with black markers.
Song after song we feel how God’s presence is filling the room. We feel a change. People’s bitter and painful faces ease a bit.
This is all we can do for today. Tomorrow, we will go to the store and pack food bags for the survivors of Bucha. One day at a time.
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. – James 1:27

Ministering to these people in these destroyed cities brings on an emotional strain of a different kind. Would you pray for strength and grace for our workers in these next weeks.

Al Akimoff and Slavic Ministries Team

Marie ministering to her friends

This has been a devastating weekend for our staff in Ukraine. As the Ukrainian army moves through the devastated cities encircling Kyiv they are discovering so many horrendous atrocities. This has caused a lot of heartache and thoughts that are hard to deal with. Please pray for our staff and all the Ukrainian people right now who are going through some very difficult times with their emotions.

As we have been sharing what has been taken place all along the borders in the exodus continues. One of those countries is not a stranger to a Russian invasion as they experienced what was called the Prague Spring of 1966 in Czechoslovakia. They too wanted out of the bear hug of the Soviet Union at the time. They experienced an earlier version of a Russian invasion that pitted tanks against people with sticks and stones. It was quickly squelched, and it took another more than a dozen years before freedom came.

Here is a report from one of our elder leaders in Czech Repoublic on the Czechs response today to the situation in Ukraine.
We have been so encouraged by your prayer support and financial assistance. Roger was able to get a whole carload of supplies into Ukraine! It was 5 hours getting in and 7 hours getting out but the needed supplies were delivered. He and Matt met up with a truck driver about 10 miles from the Slovak border. Our car was full of diapers, baby food, sleeping bags, medicine, food, printer paper, power banks etc. and the 24-ton tractor trailer had mattresses, generators, space heaters, food, etc. The supplies were then redistributed in Ukraine.

People were sleeping everywhere possible at the Nehemiah center – even in the office and hallways. Internally displaced people had come from all over Ukraine, especially from the East and Kiev. Some daring drivers are also bringing supplies to Kiev.

A military storage area was bombed in Transcarpathia and the soldiers are now needing metal bowls to eat from, boots and bandages. Some of our Czech friends have been making run after run into Ukraine. A couple of them are bravely heading over to Kiev and beyond delivering supplies. We ask for your prayer for our friend and his team doing those runs.

Roger was also able to pray with another friend who is now a Chaplain in the Ukraine Army. He was a pastor before but because he had prior military experience, he was called in. The pastor shared of God protecting the troops as they were on the front lines trying to rescue mothers and children. He shared what a blessing it is to see some of the young guys turn their hearts to Jesus.

Please continue to pray for these brave people, mostly young men and women who continue to risk their lives daily to continue to rescue these especially elderly people who cannot help themselves.

These next few days are very crucial as they work feverishly in these areas that are declared green corridors for a short time. They are rescuing people who have been trapped sometimes for weeks.

There is fear that this withdrawal is only preparation for a greater attack coming. In this somewhat quieter time, pray that many will be rescued and taken out for protection especially in these areas that are being or will be hit hard.

Thank you for prayer and keep storming the heavenly places.
Al Akimoff and the Slavic Ministries Team