10 March 2022

Dear Friends,

Phyllis and I are now in Houston, Texas, where we attended the annual pastors conference hosted by Chafer Theological Seminary. Pastor Robby Dean and I spoke about the Lord’s provision for our extraction from Ukraine just after the beginning of the war there. If you are interested in watching it, you can find it here:

https://deanbible.org/presentations/message/09-en-pneumati-and-spirit-baptism-1-corinthians-12-13

I just spoke with Oleg, Pastor of Word of God Church in Kiev. He and his siblings and their children (12 people) are hunkered down in our house in a village about 20 miles from the city center. Russian troops passed through the village a couple of nights ago, but there was no shooting and no destruction. Our house has concrete walls and the safest place is in the hallway where there are no windows. So, in spite of having sufficient beds for everyone, they are sleeping on the floor in the hallway.

Right now they have water and electricity and Internet connections and sufficient food supplies. We are so thankful that the Lord has spared them and that they still have the utilities. Oleg reports that there is no activity in the village right now, but they hear artillery fire around the clock. There may be lulls for an hour or so, but then it begins again.

Just a few miles away on a major highway leading into Kiev Russian troops were advancing toward the city when they met Ukrainian forces who killed the commander and routed the enemy which fled in retreat. It appears that the Russians are very surprised not only at the will of the Ukrainians to resist but also of their ability to defend themselves. The Russian army far outweighs the Ukrainians, and by sheer force could crush Ukraine, but it could prove to be a very costly victory. I am proud of the bravery of the Ukrainian military and also of the political leaders who have shown great resolve in this time of crisis.

Our greatest concern is for our loved ones there, believers in Jesus, Bible college students and staff, church members, and friends. To this point the Lord has protected them all, and none has suffered loss of property that we know of. This, too, is the Lord’s mercy.

But of greater importance is the spiritual aspect. Word of God Church meets twice daily, online, for prayer. This is a wonderful time when each can share news of their current situations and their needs. Uniting in prayer is such an encouragement, knowing that others are standing with you and praying for you and urging each other to be strong in faith. We also continue to have online worship services and Bible studies three times a week. The Word of God is powerful, and it is doing its work in the lives of those who know it, believe it, and do it.

Pray for Ukraine. Pray for the Christians there, that God might be glorified in a mighty way through His children as they tell unbelievers of salvation through Jesus Christ and encourage other believers with the exceedingly great and precious promises from God.

Jim