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
