The Crisis Deepens (March 2014 Update)
The Crisis in Ukraine began at the end of November 2013. When the Olympics began, the government here began a series of 
negotiations that defused the situation slightly. But they refused to keep their commitment to return to the Constitution of 2004 and protesters marched toward parliament to protest. No one knows who started the conflict but the government quickly escalated the violence using even guns against unarmed crowds. Since then, they have blocked entrances into the city, shut down the metro and called up the military. This has sparked more protests and take-overs in the Western cities (at least 9 regional capitals have been captured by the opposition with massive numbers of people) which are also sending help to the protesters in Kiev. The situation could quickly descend into civil war. A number have been killed (most by being shot by government forces) and thousands injured. The government forces have tried repeatedly to break through the protesters lines but so far have not succeeded.
Some of the problem is the credibility of the government. They are constantly promising one thing and doing the opposite. Even their statements to the public undermine their credibility. For example, when at least 19 people are shot and killed by government forces, the government denies they have any guns even though videos and photos clearly show them using them to fire into the crowds. The government goes farther by announcing that the opposition is shooting its own people to make the government look bad!
It is difficult to say what the outcome will be. It seems impossible that people without any weapons can withstand government forces forever. But so far, the people of Ukraine have been doing that for nearly 3 months now. But we are continuing to pray that this will not end up in civil war. We also pray that there will be changes in the government. The current government allows no freedom of press or speech and is extremely brutal in response to any who oppose.
Also, we have a number of friends and students who are ministering to people during this crisis. On the central square where most of the protests are, Christian groups have set up a prayer tent for people to pray and receive New Testaments. Others are helping in medical treatment tents. These were set up because the police are taking people injured in the protests out of hospitals – they are beaten more and often left to die in the woods. Pray for peace in Kiev but also for believers to show the love of Christ and to share the gospel with many people.
Teaching and Ministry Intensifies too!
I am entering probably the most difficult month of the year for me. In addition to Russian classes every day, I will be traveling to Shevschenko University every night for the next two week to be involved in an English Club through Campus Ministries. Last year, we had over 300 students sign up. Each day will be difficult for me: I will have Russian in the day and then head to teach English at night, getting home each evening about 11:00 pm. Pray for my strength!
Then the following week, I will be teaching on the Doctrine and Practice of Prayer at the seminary every afternoon. Again, I am going to try to continue my Russian studies in the morning, even though I will have to miss the afternoon Russian sessions. So the month of March will be very, very busy for me! I’m already looking forward to a short break in the month of April before I teach again in May.
Thank you for praying!
We are grateful for everyone of you and for your prayers for us! We have received many messages asking about our saftey here in Ukraine. As far as we can tell, we are completely safe at this time. If the situation esculates, that might change. But we believe that we need to continue to remain here and do the work God has given us. Keep praying for us. Pray that we will be wise in our decisions and in using opportunities that we might have for the Kindgom of God!
By His Grace,
Jim and Katya
Teaching Resources International 