Dear Friends and Partners,
Most likely you have been following from afar the rapidly-changing situation here in Ukraine. The political instability has escalated over the past few days, and now talk of war is all over the headlines. The Russian military has entered into the Southern peninsula called Crimea and are presently occupying it, saying the are protecting their interests. They do not acknowledge the new government in Ukraine. Both sides are blaming each other for illegal actions. Unfortunately, both sides are engaged in a war of name calling. Tensions are high, and it is really hard to predict what is going to happen. Some say a split of Ukraine along ethnic borders is the only way to solve this conflict that has been brewing for years. However, that is not an easy solution.
As foreigners, we are trying to listen to both sides and to try to see this objectively. This is difficult, especially in our Bible School community which is represented by Ukrainians, Russians, and Georgians. In these days of high emotion, sides are being drawn and harsh things are being said. Please pray for sensitivity between our students and staff as we seek to navigate through these difficult days. Pray also for our national church body which is also dealing with the this tension.
We are closely monitoring the situation as it relates to our family's safety. When the problems were in Kiev, we felt very removed. Now that the focus has moved to the South, there is a higher level of risk. Odessa has been, and likely will continue to be, a city with strong Russian support. We are in contact with many Americans who are also observing this situation in case there is a need for evacuation. As of today, we do not feel the need to leave yet. We are simply watching and praying.
Our hope and prayer is for this conflict to be solved through strong diplomacy, not bullets. Please pray for leadership all across this region to be level-headed enough to seek to solve this issue peacefully, come what may.
Keep praying, friends. Pray for peace. Pray for the Church. Pray for relationships, reconciliation, and wisdom. God is in control, and we trust Him.
Much grace to you!
Andy, Monica, Moriah, Isaiah, Josiah and Baby