Ukraine Has Some Relief (We Hope!) (June Update)
The situation in Ukraine appears to be improving, at least for now. The presidential elections were a success and the new president won by a landslide – signs that Ukraine is more united as a country than many believed. Russian troops, although still close, have moved back from the border and, in spite of requests by the separatists in Eastern Ukraine, Putin has decided not to intervene in Ukraine. These are all good signs.
But there are still many difficulties ahead. Right now, Ukraine is waging a war with the heavily-armed pro-Russian groups in Eastern Ukraine. There has been some progress in restoring order and preventing them from further take-overs but it has cost many lives (mostly Russian soldiers who are supposedly NOT in Ukraine). But the toll on the people has been great also. People are afraid to go into the streets and definitely afraid to say anything positive about Ukraine. The separatists routinely abduct, beat and even kill anyone who voices any opposition. They are currently holding over 80 people hostage (including many journalists and international observers). Many believers are holding open prayer meeting on the squares and they have been persecuted and beaten by the separatists for doing so. We know so pastors who have had to live the area because of threats to their lives and to their families!
Also, the economy is being affected by all the conflict here. We are already seeing a rise in some prices and except to see many more as we get into the summer. Ukraine is struggling financially because between 20 and 70 billion dollars was stolen from Ukraine by the president Yanukovich. The new government has been working to keep prices under control and they are doing a pretty good job considering the circumstances. The biggest problem right now is Russia. After stealing Crimea from Ukraine, Russia also nearly doubled the gas price it charges Ukraine – almost $200 per cubic foot more than it charges other countries! Ukraine is refusing to pay and so Ukraine might be without its needed energy. But again, the government is looking for solutions.
Our Plans …
After teaching my last class last week, we have spent hours boxing up everything we own and putting it into storage for the summer. We do not have an apartment when we return at the end of August so that is a major prayer need. As we mentioned in previous updates, we are moving to the right bank. This will save us a lot of time and put us closer to where we minister (church and university campus). It will be a little more expense but we hope it will be worth it, especially when we see it would save about 12 hours a week in travel!
Finally, in our last update, we mentioned getting a car. Katya and I have talked a lot about this and we think we should wait. First, a car is not a necessity for us. The mass transportation system is overcrowded and slow but it works! Our biggest reason for the car was our need to have a means to escape if Russia attacks. But we believe this threat is smaller now and so our need for a car is also. Also, our expenses will be higher this fall with moving to the right bank and also with the changes in the Ukrainian economy. But most of all, we want to be good stewards of God’s resources. We have lived our lives as simply as possible and try not to buy anything unnecessary so that funds for God’s Kingdom might be used elsewhere. There may come a time when our needs change, but we think now, we need to conserve resources and not get a car. Thanks for praying for us as we having been talking through this.
Summer Plans …
We leave for the US on Tuesday! We are really looking forward to getting back and having some rest from all the tension here. We’ll be in CT for a week and then Arkansas and hopefully Florida at the end of July and maybe Colorado in August. We have many friends and supports we want to see along the way! Be praying especially for Kristina on her first international trip (actually be praying for the parents!).
Thanks so much for your prayers and support! Last Saturday, Kiev Theological Seminary had its graduation. We graduated over 40 students and nearly 20 from our Master’s programs! Thank you for the impact YOU are having on these people as they go out to minister in Ukraine! Thanks for letting us represent you here in Ukraine!
By His Grace,
Jim and Katya
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