Sunday, March 16, 2014

Crimea Referendum

Today is the day when Crimean residents are voting whether to join Russia or to become independent. This vote, according to most of the world, and according to the Ukrainian constitution is not valid and is illegal. Putin, however, doesn't want to listen to the rest of the world and is doing things the way he wants. It is a very tense situation now in Ukraine as both Russian and Ukrainian forces are growing larger and larger. A lot of hired Russian protesters/aggravators are stirring things up in some of Ukraine's western cities, and in Crimea, enticing violence so that Putin can say that things are dangerous and he needs to send troops there to protect Russian citizens. This is the same lie he used in Georgia in 2008. Also Russian troops just invaded the mainland Ukraine and took over a gas plant there citing that they were afraid of terrorist activity there. Also a lie. Even in Moscow thousands are standing up against this aggression and the lies. I just hope Putin will listen, but seems he will not. He has had his eye on Crimea for a long time, and sees himself as the restorer of the Russian (or Soviet) empire.
Please pray for Ukraine, and for it's leaders, armies, citizens, and in general for defense and protection from Russian aggressions. Ukrainians are very worried and some have even asked me if Americans know what to do if there is fighting, bombs, and shooting. They said they don't know what to do and they are very worried. Also please pray for the many Ukrainians from the east and from Crimea that will seek refuge in my area. It could open many doors for ministry and evangelism to help these refugees who are trying to get farther away from the fighting or possible fighting. Some of them are already making their way to western Ukraine. As for me I am still doing well. I was sick last week I think from eating something bad, but all is well now and I am 100%. Another big answer to prayer is that I found some English lessons to teach, which will cover about half of my support to stay here, so thank you for your prayers. I still need to find the other half, and I'm trying to invest in a bicycle to get around town, so if any of you would like to help in anyway please donate through this blog (using PayPal), through Calvary, or if you know my parents you can also give it to them. It would be greatly appreciated. The best support you could give me however is through prayer. Thanks, and please continue to pray for Ukraine! I will keep you updated.

Monday, March 3, 2014

Now problems with Russia...

I am sure you all are seeing regularly about the situation in Ukraine in the news right now. It is much worse than a revolution now, it is closer to a conflict with Russia or even a War. Russia is saying, like it did in Georgia a few years ago, that it is just trying to protect its Russian citizens. They have invaded Crimea, a region in southern Ukraine, and are currently occupying some bases there and some other strategic places as well. They apparently have just issued an ultimatum stating that if the remaining Ukrainian bases aren't surrendered they will attack in the morning. Moscow is denying this.
Also Putin asked the Russian parliament to approve use of forces not just in Crimea but in all of Ukraine. This my friends is an act of aggression and of War. Please pray for Ukraine! That no more lives would be lost and that there won't be any war or even mention of war. Pray that Putin comes to his senses and that the rest of the world will do what has to be done to pressure him into backing down. Thanks for your prayers please continue to pray diligently for the situation here. More updates to come soon.