Ukraine Prayer Letter – 36

Posted on by Al Akimoff

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

Ukraine Prayer Letter – 35

Posted on by Al Akimoff

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

Ukraine Prayer Letter – 34

Posted on by Al Akimoff

As Russian troops have moved away from Kyiv, there is a fear that they will regroup on the Eastern Front as well as concentrate on Odessa. Because the ground war did not go well for them, there is a fear that they will go to a bombing siege like what was done in Mykolaev and Kharkiv. These past few days people are being allowed to be rescued as somewhat tenuous green corridors have been established.

As the Russian troops have left, they left behind barbaric scenes of death and destruction, rape and random killing of civilians. Mass graves and dead bodies on the streets are everywhere and land mines have been scattered around like seeds in a field.

Report from Kyiv staff
Our hearts are breaking as we witness the destruction and darkness that pervaded the suburbs of Kyiv. Please pray for our staff as we mourn. Pray for us to shine God’s loving light in the darkness. Also, the threat is still real, air raid sirens continue throughout the country. Please continue to pray for God’s shield around our staff and pray for victory for Ukraine.

Report from Kyiv
“Two days ago, we sent 11 vans to (for security, cannot give location) Our guys are doing an awesome job. Today we evacuated 82 people and tomorrow we will do even more. In this area about 1.5 million population and it’s getting harder and harder to get out of there. Please pray for safety and protection over our drivers and that they will be able to evacuate as many people as possible”

Voice of Ukraine
Good morning world! As we wake up to a peaceful spring weekend, Ukraine is still amidst the worst nightmare.
As of 29th of March:
139 children died.
10 million Ukrainians left their homes.
60 billion USD, the minimum assessment of damage to the infrastructure of Ukraine.
1200 missiles launched across the territory of Ukraine.
4500 houses were destroyed.
100 enterprises destroyed.
400 educational institutions destroyed.
150 healthcare institutions destroyed.
15 airports destroyed.
350 bridges destroyed.
1 largest aircraft in the world destroyed «Mriya».

Al Akimoff and the Slavic Ministries Team

Ukraine Prayer Letter – 33

Posted on by Al Akimoff

Dennis (Kyiv)
REFUGEES COMING IN DAILY
Every day refugees come to our center in the midst of what is now seen as one of the largest European humanitarian crisis’ in modern history. People are streaming in from different parts of Ukraine and heading out west to Europe. At our center, we are able to provide a clean place to rest and sleep, a hot meal, and a shower, to recuperate as their evacuation route onwards to Europe goes forward. Many have left everything and are traveling with just a few bags they were able to grab in their hurry to get out of the cities that were being bombed. There are countless stories of fathers who have taken their wives and kids and with a final embrace send them across the borders while they stay back and head home to wait and see what the course of the war will be. In the middle of this sadness, we have found that love and hospitality go a long way to bring healing to the soul, giving people the ability to open up their hearts to hear about the God who loves them.
Volunteers work around the clock to make this possible. They work in the kitchen daily, clean floors, sinks, and bathrooms, prepare food, line beds with clean sheets daily, organize humanitarian aid storages, load and unload trucks and buses, answer phones in our call center, coordinate evacuation with a logistics team, drive extremely long hours to evacuate people, make sure gas/diesel canisters are filled, take vehicles to maintenance and repair shops, and all of this is just a small window of a normal day at Christ Evacuation Center. It’s been an honor to work alongside these stellar heroes.
We know we cannot do any of this without Christ. We need Him. We also know that those who come to us here need Him more than anything else we can offer. So we pray, we read the scripture, we spark conversations with people who come, and naturally, find moments to share about who we are and why we do what we do. God is our everything and we are honored that in a time like this we get to carry His love and light as we love the person in front of us. When we don’t know what we are doing He shows us all over again that it’s Him who is living through us.

Ryan (Ternopil)
The war in Ukraine has severely impacted children. It’s estimated that over 2 million children have already been forced to flee Ukraine with another 2.5 million displaced within the country.
These children have all had to leave their homes, schools, friends and the normal life they deserve. The volunteers at the refugee centre here at YWAM Ternopil have been so welcoming to everyone who comes through their doors. Yesterday, they organised craft time to not only entertain the children and give their parents a break, but they used this time to make cards for Ukrainian soldiers that will get sent out with the aid shipments that leave almost daily from this centre to deliver desperately needed supplies throughout Ukraine.

Thank you for praying,
Al Akimoff and the Slavic Ministries Team

Ukraine Prayer Letter – 32

Posted on by Al Akimoff

The refugee situation is growing daily. Green corridors are opening up from Mariupal, Kharkiv and other bombed out cities. Pray for their safety. One convoy of seven vehicles filled with refugees was bombed and many were killed. Please pray for these convoys. For our ywam drivers.

Pray for our workers all along the borders. More volunteers are needed who speak Ukraineian or Russian. Councilors are also needed.

The Ukrainian translation of the “Trauma Recovery Workbook for Children”, and the “Facilitators Guide” are done! You can download them here for free: https://www.childrenatriskschools.com/there-is-hope
There is also a Russian version, and another 9 different languages.
We have used them through the years, teaching how to use them to the caretakers of refugee children, and it has been a big blessing! Please have a look at this page with the explanation on how to use this!

Ywam Cluj, Romania ·
It has been more than one month since the conflict in Ukraine started. It’s painful for all of us, but even more for those who have to flee the country.
We are blessed to be able to offer our love, a community and food to those who need it the most. Sometimes we cook for 50 people, other times for 85…but everyday we are cooking and serving with joy.
P.S.: Yes, we need a bigger place for meals and we are working on it!

Amy is in Bucharest, Romania.
Romania – Day 16. There were not many volunteers when I arrived at the Baptist church in the morning, so I immediately asked if the morning cleaning had been done yet. They said no, and said it would be a huge help, since cleaning hadn’t been done since we girls did it yesterday. I spent a bit of time sweeping, mopping, cleaning whatever needed to be cleaned, before going into the kids room. They all yelled out in greeting when I walked in, and rushed to hug me. After spending all this time with them the last few days, they now call me their auntie friend. We did the usual of card games and painting (guess which painting is mine lol), until we got to the early afternoon when we’ve traditionally started up a cartoon for them to enjoy. Today we watched the Secret Life of Pets 2, and it was a big hit. Once 2:00 came and they went to lunch, I headed back to the hotel where I met up with my team and we all went to downtown, to walk around and explore and enjoy Bucharest a little bit.

The border areas have changed since the first days of the war. Most of them have now been organized by the government and humanitarian organizations. Refugees are now put on buses and taken to the nearest cities. There they are taken to buildings that are set up to process them, asking them if they have relatives or friends in any of the European countries. They are then put on trains and buses to those countries. Those that are staying to await the day they can go back to Ukraine are sent to local places.

Our ywam centers in Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, Germany and now futher out in Switzerland, Holland have taken in many of these refugees and are taking care of them . Many are now arriving in Tijuana, Mexico at the U.S. border.

The work they do as described above is true servanthood. Pray for them!

Al Akimoff and the Slavic Ministries Team

Ukraine Prayer Letter – 31

Posted on by Al Akimoff

Once again from Marie, In Kyiv:
Imagine every second person in your town would leave.
In your own household: Imagine seeing half your family leave. Kids and parents would leave, grandparents would stay. In your neighborhood: Those who are well-to-do would leave first. Those who know a foreign language, have a business, a good education. Try to picture who would stay back. In Ukraine, it’s the old generation. The lonely grandma who grew up during WWII and the Soviet Union. Not yielding to one more dictator trying to take control of her life. Others take their family members in. Their sons’ jobs are gone, businesses say, “We are no charity organization, we can’t pay if there’s no work”. So grandma’s pension suddenly becomes the only source of income for many families. Just to give a figure; an average pension in Ukraine is around 90$. In the meantime, due to food insecurity, prices have risen up to 50%. We bought tea for 4$ per package yesterday. You need a lot of imagination to picture a family living on their grandma’s pension these days.

So our phone does not stop ringing. Today, we were called to an apartment building to deliver 15 food boxes. It felt completely abandoned. People would not open the doors. We could hear the white noise of the television inside. But they would open only once we called on the phone. They are afraid to open the door. Too many reports about Russians infiltrating, looting, and violating residential areas. They are afraid to go out. Too much noise in the sky. So they just sit inside and wait for some kind of salvation. ALL of them pray. You can tell most of them are not religious people. But now, everybody prays. They say, “We have no hope besides God”.

Every second person left Kyiv. 2 Million. More than the city of Philadelphia or Hamburg. You see it in the empty balconies by day. You see it in the dark windows at night. You see empty parking lots. Closed shops. Abandoned construction sites. Abandoned grandparents. It feels like exile. It resembles Israel’s exile in Babylon, with only the poorest people of the land left (2 Kings 24:14).

I look around my city and think; maybe this is how it always goes. But God always leaves a remnant. Those who were left, the poorest of the land, were the ones ingathered first. Remember how Jesus did not start His ministry with the religious elite in Jerusalem, but how His first journey led Him to the remnant. Those left behind. Despised during Jesus’ time. But He saw something different: “Galilee of the Gentiles—the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned” (Matthew 4:15).

This is what keeps me hopeful for Ukraine today. Not a shallow hope in the power of arms or allies. Not a hope in political or national ideas. But hope in my God who does not put to shame those who trust in Him. The last man standing in Jerusalem was Jeremiah. As the city was under siege, God asked him to do a crazy thing. He asked him to purchase a plot of land. I often thought about this during the last few days when seeing all the abandoned houses and neighborhoods resembling ghost towns. People just want to leave. It would be the craziest thing to purchase a house now. Everything seems to be doomed for destruction. And as if we are just waiting for the verdict to be carried out. As missionaries, Japhin and I never wanted to have a house or settle down too much. But these days something in our hearts sparks with excitement when we think about Jeremiah’s plot of land. It was more a prophetic act than a purchase. Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me? (Jeremiah 32:26)

We believe in the same God. I pray that all of us would have a portion of Jeremiah’s faith. Of building houses and purchasing land in a war zone. Knowing the hope it will bring and the faith it shows to the world far exceeds the price we paid.

If we had some savings, I would actually go and buy a small house in the neighborhood nearby. Just to show that I have hope. For this nation, for the people, and for God’s kingdom.

Great news! The orphans from Pastor Gennadiy’s ministry in Mariupol have made it out of Ukraine! A huge thanks to all who have prayed and given. They are now en route to Germany, where a safe place waits for them. These kids will not be able to go “home” to Mariupol anytime soon, if ever. War is always hardest on the children.

Al Akimoff and the Slavic Ministries Team

Ukraine Prayer Letter – 30

Posted on by Al Akimoff

What does evangelism look like in war?

Pastors in Ukraine report that hundreds of people are becoming believers during this time, seeking prayer and finding God.

Many of our YWAM centers report that they try to live life as normal even with the crowded rooms and hall ways with Ukrainian refugees. As they continue to have their worship and prayer times, the refugees join in with open hearts and receive healing through the worship. Many words are not needed during this time as hugs and tears become the common language.

A young man carrying a cross around the world arrived at the Ukrainian border, here is his testimony:

Thanks so much for praying for me! With God’s help, after nearly 4 hours at the border, I made it into Ukraine! I had an amazing time sharing Jesus as I passed through the border! Refugees, relief workers, and international reporters pressed in around the cross! Even the border guards and officials wanted to touch the cross and have me share, then pray for them. It was amazing to see as so many of the refugees wanted to share their stories; not even caring whether I spoke or understood Ukrainian, or not. They just saw the cross and knew that it was a safe place where they could come and share. Many, many wanted prayer. So many just wanted me to lay my hands on them and bless them. Others simply wanted a hug. How beautiful to watch Jesus as He touched people’s lives.
Thanks again for praying!
God bless you!
Keith

Pray that Jesus will be lifted up through the thousands of bottles of water that are given out in His name. That all the acts of kindness that are delivered through bags and boxes of food would translate into the gospel message. That rooms and beds that are given up for these women and children will be filled with the presence of Jesus. That all our workers will be led by the Holy Spirit to bring healing and the message of God’s love to all they minister to.

Anya – Prayer request:
This week and next week there are a lot of negotiations planned. Negotiations for peace.
Please pray for world leaders, pray for Ukrainian leaders, pray for Russian leaders.
We want peace, we want justice, we want to End the War, but end it for good not just for a short time.
It is definitely the time for the WORD to step into action. Pray for wisdom, for protection, for courage, for perseverance. Pray against lies, manipulation, deceit, greed, fear.
Pray that God’s Word will be in Full Action!

Al Akimoff and the Slavic Ministries Team


Keith Wheeler in Ukraine

Ukraine Prayer Letter – 29

Posted on by Al Akimoff

A note from Al:

These past couple of days things have seemed quiet. There are other news items that have seemed to put Ukraine off the breaking news section. Indeed, there was a bit of relief as a corridor was opened from Mariupol to let some people out at the expense of a declaration that the city was now under Russian control. But the war is still raging.
Here are some thoughts from Ukraine.

“Did you know that a strong wind sometimes sounds like a fighter jet? I never thought about it until now, when every gust makes you hold your breath and listen.
Today, we were talking with Ivan about how our perception of war changed over the past 31 days. We still care, we are still appalled by what’s going on yet we’re getting used to it. The reports of new missile hits no longer cause panic but rather a quick evaluation of whether any of our loved ones are in immediate danger and a prayer for God’s protection over those who are.

My friend messaged me this evening with the traditional question, “How are you?” My response surprised me, “Praise God, nothing has changed”. Could it be a proper response to God’s command, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Ps 46:10‭)?‬‬‬

Please, keep praying for Ukraine. Our army is doing the impossible because God is with us. Today, they shot down at least 5 missile rockets fired at Ukraine (but a few did hit and caused destruction in western Ukraine). Our army has successfully liberated a few towns in Sumy region. On several locations, the enemy army retreats towards the national border.
Today’s picture shows a performance “Stop promising, start acting!” that took place in Warsaw. Thousands of people lied down on the ground to represent thousands of people who have died in Ukraine.

Without the reminder of breaking news, let us be reminded by the Holy Spirit to pray, to pray without ceasing.

Pray for those feeding thousands, rescuing and finding homes for countless women and children in dozens of locations.

Pray!

Al Akimoff and the Slavic Ministries Team

Ukraine Prayer Letter – 28

Posted on by Al Akimoff

Things were somewhat quiet this weekend as the hard work of rescue, feeding and transport of goods and people continued. Lot’s of work on the borders and centers in Poland, Romania, Germany and elsewhere. Here are some of the reports from the frontlines.

Sergei is former ywam student who now leads Teen Challenge, he reports,
On March 24, Russian soldiers attacked one of the rehabilitation centers near Kyiv.
All the students were able to escape, except for one.
And one staff Oleg, was taken prisoner.
Pray that he is kept alive and released!!!

Sergei reported today that Oleg was released, praise the Lord….

This was from Marie our German staff gal in Kyiv in a discussion with a friend:
“This war is all about your faith. If you were not a believer, you would be sitting in your home country by now. What reason would you have to stay? But you stayed because of your faith. So this war is not merely physical, but it’s a battle against your faith. In the end, victory will not be measured in terms of surviving or not. It will be measured in holding on to Jesus or drowning in sorrow and agony.”

Her husband Japhin added these words:
“I just wanted to say how grateful I am (we are) to all the people who have come alongside us in this journey. I am amazed by the love, prayer, support and encouragements you all have been sending our way. Thank you for that from the bottom of our hearts. If not for your sweet messages and prayers, it would have been way harder for us to go through all this.”

A number of our former YWAMers have returned to Ukraine or to the border areas to volunteer. Here is a report from Deborah and Chan the founders of the Ternopil base.

“It started as a deep desire, then turned into a reality when the leader of The Mission Inc. agreed to drive us into Ukraine. Chan and I hadn’t been back since 2006 for a wedding. We bought a truckload of medical supplies for the front lines- all the things needed for trauma kits, antibiotics, antibiotic creams, irrigating solutions, IV supplies and then filled the rest of our truck with diapers, formula and wipes. We were there less than 24 hours. We arrived just before curfew but driving in we noticed everything was pitch black. None of the street lights were on, none of the city signs were up. Google maps was extremely helpful. Our good friends, Sasha and Luda met us, we experienced the greatest Ukrainian hospitality- even during a war – and had one day to unload our truck, see everyone and encourage as many as we could.
So many stories, some too difficult to tell, but these heroes need our prayers. They are exhausted- emotionally and physically, yet every day they keep going. I am so grateful that we were able to participate in some small way. Please pray with us for freedom and peace in Ukraine.”

There are many good articles on how this war affects Europe and the rest of the world. This is a war that is being fought in the heavenlies with world-wide consequences. Here is an article by a good friend, Jeff Fountain laying out some things we can pray for in regard to this.

Al Akimoff and The Slavic Ministries Team

Ukraine Prayer Letter – 27

Posted on by Al Akimoff

Kyiv (Anya)
Thank you to everyone who has been praying faithfully for God to be a shield to our team in Kyiv. Today he answered your prayers. Please don’t stop praying! One of our team members described their experience today: “Today, we went to a facility; suddenly, the air alert started ringing in our ears, reminding us to find shelter.
Marie and I looked into each other eyes. We were standing 10 meters apart.
She yelled, “WHAT SHOULD WE DO?”
I said, “I don’t know.”
I am someone who likes to have an answer. But at that moment, I had nothing. Two times every year, we have a fire safety drill. But we never got a war drill. So who can be prepared for a bomb?
A couple of seconds later, there was a loud blast close-by. We expected a loud explosion, and we were mentally ready for it. But our bodies were not; our minds were not prepared for it. We just stood there. Still looking into each other’s eyes, each holding a bunch of groceries we were about to deliver to someone.
These are the times when reason goes numb. You give up and are ready to accept the consequences of war.
When we arrived back home, I looked into Marie’s eyes. I knew she was a little shaken. We sat in the car for 10 minutes.
What should I say? Can I say it was nothing? Can I say it was okay?
It was not okay, and it was not nothing. It has been one month; we are not ready.
Nobody can be ready.
After the 10 minute talk in the car (more like 10 minutes staring at each other), we were ready to go, serve, and do what we were supposed to do.
That blast did not stop us. So, we live another day to love and to serve.
He says,
“Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”

Today I heard a very touching story form the Hungarian border. A lady arrived with 4 children. When asked to tell her story, she said this,
“One of these children is mine. One of them is my sister’s. She went out to search for water and didn’t return. Another child I picked up on the street, she was standing beside her parents who were lying dead on the street. This other child was wandering though the destroyed streets so I took him in as well.”
This lady crossed the border with these children, each with a story begging to be told and a heart and soul that needed to be mended, ministered to.

Please pray for our many workers on the borders and at our centers in countries surrounding Ukraine who are working with ladies like this. The reports are heartbreaking and at the same time heartwarming.

These words from Mister Rogers from the TV program:
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” – Mr. Rogers

We need more volunteers who speak Russian or Ukrainian.

Please continue to pray,
Pray for Ukraine, for the cities that are under siege, being bombed, that people can be fed and rescued.
Pray for Russia, that what is happening there with people calling for peace will reach a tipping point to bring change to the country.
Pray for the helpers all along the borders.

Al Akimoff and the Slavic Ministries Team