18 March 2022

Dear Friends,

Psalm 4:8 I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

The war is in its fourth week with no end in sight, although there are reports that the Russian supply lines are not doing well in getting ammunition, food, and other supplies to its troops. The Ukrainians continue to hold their ground and inflict considerable damage on the enemy. However, Putin still has many ways to increase the pain and suffering on Ukraine. I pray that the Lord will soon put an end to this conflict. He may have other plans, but we are told to pray for what we desire.

I received a letter from a pastor today, who wrote: "Please pray for Larisa Chaplaeva’s brother and his family. They live in a village in the Kherson region. This territory is now controlled by enemies. There is a very terrible situation, the Russians are killing civilians, women and children ... Larisa's brother and his family will try to escape from this village. I don't know how they can do it ... We trust in God's help.”

I spoke with Larisa today. She said that the Russian soldiers would enter a village and first would confiscate the cell phones of any people they might encounter. Then they would just shoot them, no matter who they were. She said also that they would open the doors to houses, throw in a grenade and just walk away. This certainly has nothing to do with conquering the country; it is just evil.

Pray for Thomas Stevens, an American Christian who is still in Kyiv. He is concerned that his residence permit expires in a couple of weeks. The government has extended all deadlines, so this shouldn’t be a problem for him. I don’t know this man, personally, but he found us and has not missed a Bible class in the past two months.

I have been able to wire money to several of our people, some of whom are still in Ukraine and others who are in Poland. They are without jobs, hence, without income. They must find shelter in refugee camps or with kind people who have opened their homes. They need food, medicine and other things. Thanks to you who have given for their support. God’s grace is exhibited through you.

We are still able to communicate through the Internet. I am grateful that this technology is still open to us. We continue with our prayer meetings and Bible studies. What a blessing this is. May the Word of God be an anchor in the soul of these believers.

Continue earnestly in prayer,

Jim