During this Time, the Situation in Ukraine has Become More Complicated and We Pray Even More Fervently Every Day for an End to this Bloodshed – On the Other Hand, We Do Not Understand How the Lord Makes It So that We Have Everything We need, Life Goes on – За цей час ситуація в Україні ускладнилася і ми щодня ще гаряче молимося про припинення цього кровопролиття – з іншого боку, ми не розуміємо, як Господь робить так, щоб у нас було все необхідне, життя триває.

Oct 31, 2024 | Ukraine — Friends, the War, & Hope

За цей час ситуація в Україні ускладнилася і ми щодня ще гаряче молимося про припинення цього кровопролиття – з іншого боку, ми не розуміємо, як Господь робить так, щоб у нас було все необхідне, життя триває.

On October 30, 2024, I received the email message below from my close friend, Maxim, in Kyiv, Ukraine. It was good to hear from him, for I had written to him on October 1, 2024, asking how he and his family were and if his daughter was married as he had indicated they were planning the wedding in a previous email message.

And as good as it was to hear from Maxim, it is still a heavy weight hearing of how the continuing war is affecting every aspect of their lives.

But Maxim is still deeply thankful to God for His blessings, always an encouragement to me even amidst my deep concerns for my friend and his family and the Ukrainian people.

From: Максим Олейник []
Sent: Wednesday, October 30, 2024 1:44 AM
To: Chris Orozco <>
Subject: Greetings dear Chris!

Greetings dear Chris!

I apologize for not writing to you for such a long time!!!

I apologize to you!!! I always feel your prayer and interest in keeping in touch!!!

During this time, the situation in Ukraine has become more complicated and we pray even more fervently every day for an end to this bloodshed. We realize that our resources would have been exhausted long ago if not for the help of the United States. There are many dead and injured. Mobilization is intensifying. From a human perspective, everything is very bad. The economic decline is enormous.

On the other hand, we do not understand how the Lord makes it so that we have everything we need, life goes on. Our children continue to grow up, study, get married, have children under the sirens and explosions. It is incredible!!! I can’t control my tears (((.

There have been changes in our family. Our middle daughter Anastasia got married. They moved to Germany because our son-in-law is German. Kateryna moved with Anastasia. She is applying for refugee status. The registration process is very long. It has already taken several months. They are waiting for the opportunity to learn the language and also to have some financial assistance from the state.

Alena, Oleksii, and I are staying in Kyiv. The seminary continues its ministry. To the Lord’s surprise, there are many students who want to study and preach the Word faithfully. Our teaching staff has decreased. Several teachers have left us, but we continue.

Ihor, Oleh, and I have received registration for next year’s Shepherds Conference.

If it is your grace, we would be glad to stay with you for the night during the conference.

Best regards!

Oliynyk Maksym

After receiving his email message, when I wrote back to Maxim saying I had received his message, and answering him with a YES that he could stay with us next year if he is able to attend the church conference here in LA, I included the front photo of this posting of the bay leaf tree in my backyard in my message to him, reminding him that I had planted it just last year as a hope that he would be able to visit us again and added that the branches reminded me of arms lifted high into the sky in prayer.

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